Graphics Enhancement Mod (GEM) v2.4. Updated: December 22, 2012

[arioch]

fan-freaking-tastic!

I did have to put the original galaxy backdrop back in place, as I could not see my sneaky neighbor's SOI.
I also seem to have lost the health bar above the ships? Which doesn't make sense but could care less cuz it looks so good.

Thanks for the outstanding mod.

[Darkspire]

ORIGINAL: arioch

fan-freaking-tastic!

I did have to put the original galaxy backdrop back in place, as I could not see my sneaky neighbor's SOI.
I also seem to have lost the health bar above the ships? Which doesn't make sense but could care less cuz it looks so good.

Thanks for the outstanding mod.

Press D a few times to get the bars back.

Darkspire

[Martian]

to SecuransRule, Ralzakark, putzinator, arioch

You are welcome!

************************

Today I've finally finished some very urgent work (not for modding) which made me extremely busy for whole last week up to THIS MORNING! [:D]
So now as my schedule is back to normal I will return to DW modding in my spare time. I guess you can expect some updates and fixes for GEM within this week.

[Martian]

to Darkspire

Press D a few times to get the bars back.

Thanks for the hint, I didn't know that!

[Buio]

Awesome work, the outline on the ships is a brilliant idea.

I do use my own galaxy map. Just a black image I easily made myself (the game wouldn't run if I just removed it). I'm conservative when it comes to the map I guess.

[Martian]

to Buio

Thank you!

[Martian]

Mod is updated to 2.4 version.

Update includes:

- Added requested alternative version of shipset without colour outlines. Maybe, in the future versions I will remove colour outlines from mod's standard shipset as well, replacing them with hull's "insignia" for all of controllable ships, in a similar way as I did for military ships.

- Improved planet graphics for all planets (except gas giants, as usual). I made new atmospheric effects from a scratch. Hope you will find it to be an improvement over previous version. [;)]

Continental planets


Desert planets


Iceglacial planets


Marshyswamp planets


Oceanic planets


Volcanic planets


Barrenrock planets




- Updated version of galaxy backdrop. Slightly redesigned and significantly desaturated to improve contrast between backdrop and active objects on the map. I know that the contrast is still not perfect, but I see no way to improve it other than making it very very dark and even more desaturated, which will make it look extremely boring. The problem could be solved in future releases of the DW with different approach of colour & style coding for the active elements on the galaxy view.

[Buio]

I like the new backdrop, gonna try it. Good with optional outlines. I like them, as a beginner to the game it makes it easier for me. But maybe when I know the game, I can recognize ships without it.

[Ponicus]

Awesome. Downloading now. Thank you for all your hard work.

[Martian]

to Ponicus

Waiting for your feedback about new atmospheric effect. [:)]

[Ponicus]

I really like what you've done with the new atmospheres. Looks really good in 1080. I like how the barren planets look. Really adds texture to their cratered surfaces.

Also thanks for the alternate shipset. I'm using that right now. For some reason it really makes the game look better to me. The ships stand out more and seem to have more detail and depth to them.

I'm rocking your full mod and Sirian's resource and component mods and the game feels like it had a total graphic overhaul. Loving it.

[Martian]

Thanks for quick response.
I am very glad you liked new atmosphere!
I tried to make the atmosphere look more realistic while trying to maintain good "eye-candy" balance. Personally I like desert & iceglacial planet look the best.

I know, for volcanic planets some people may prefer original barren-rocky style over hazy-red one I made. But I still believe that with so many constant volcanic eruptions the atmosphere there just can't be plain and transparent. So I decided to keep it enough thick and foggy.

[Buio]

I run with the 2.4 backdrop now. It's a lot better for clarity with all factions. And the planets are improved too.

[Martian]

Thanks for your feedback!

I wonder, which graphical elements have changed in the "Shadows"? I don't want to mod things which will be improved or altered by developer. It would be nice if someone of "Shadows" beta testers could share the info about "graphics" NOT changed? [:)]

[Hawawaa]

Impressive work! Gonna install this mod this weekend! [&o]

[Baleur]

Seriously, those planets atmospheres are redonkulously similar to mine. You could at least have given credit for the idea/aesthetic direction. tm.asp?m=2965615

[Martian]

ORIGINAL: Baleur

Seriously, those planets atmospheres are redonkulously similar to mine. You could at least have given credit for the idea/aesthetic direction. tm.asp?m=2965615

What?! Similar to yours? Are you serious?
Give you credit? For what?! Don't flatter yourself.
Just FYI: I didn't even know about existence of your mod before you started to spam this thread with your links.
I used real space photos and some great sci-fi art for inspiration.
But I won't be surprised if you say the God himself should also give you credit for making the Earth and other planets.

You better find other ways than spamming and slandering others to promote your mod.

And "be modest! It is the kind of pride least likely to offend".

[Martian]

to Hawawaa

Thanks, pal.

[w1p]

new backdrop is superb ! Thanks

[Ardilus]

This is a must-have package. Loving the new backdrop - it really captures the mood of DW!