m16a2 grafic issue and dev tip

[Scarlet_Pimp]

I turned down the lighting settings from the game options before i joined a server. The 2 maps i played Kashan had the m16 issue and i think the shadow issue and al basrah had the shadow issue.

[gazzthompson]

Originally Posted by dunehunter

And "every 1 else"...is it really that much trouble to type one instead of 1?

grammar/ punctuation Nazi to the rescue !!! , take a screenshot of ur exact problem to help people understand it easyer

[Viper3369]

I have seen this problem also on that particular weapon. For me, it looks very much like something called "Z-Fighting", and given that Kashan is a very large map, it's probably due to the precision loss in the Z-buffer.

Because Kashan has a larger draw distance than most maps, the 24/32 bit Z-buffer value is spread further between the near and far clip planes (limits of drawing). It's highly likely that the huge draw distance on this map causes these problems.

The pixels on the weapon shown are from two triangles that overlap. These are rendered at sub-millimeter accuracy and that cannot be represented well by even that large an integer range. The Z-buffer (probably actually a W-buffer these days) is used to determine if a pixel drawn is behind or infront of another - from another triangle. So in this case, as you move, one or the other triangle's pixels win the Z-buffer challenge. Hence you get sparkling.

You can sometimes see a similar effect if you use large zoom (10x) on tanks, apcs or sniper rifles. There is also similar problems with the ground on Kashan at extreme edges of the map.

Don't worry, it's almost certainly not your gfx card that is broken. This article is very informative if you're really interested.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z-buffering

[[R-DEV]OkitaMakoto]

you win...

thanks!


Okita

[Long Bow]

Originally Posted by OkitaMakoto

im still just assuming that its just from the game being pushed far... and maybe a personal computer problem... like, only on large maps and if your settings are turned up past your computer efficient level... i mean, i still get like 50 fps on kashan... but maybe just due to the fact that its running so much (even though its running smoothly) it messes up on the models and textures?..

i really dont know much about this stuff... just me typing, really...

I get the graphical black textures etc. Usually only at long range through a scope or binocs. I believe this happens to a lot of people but I'm not sure if it is different at each graphic setting level. What I have read is that it is a z-buffer or z-limit issue. Basically the textures are not designed to draw at that distance and hence you get texture issues. Not a good explanation sorry. I don't know if this is something the Devs can fix as it may be hardcoded.

[Viper3369]

Originally Posted by Long Bow

What I have read is that it is a z-buffer or z-limit issue. Basically the textures are not designed to draw at that distance and hence you get texture issues. Not a good explanation sorry. I don't know if this is something the Devs can fix as it may be hardcoded.

Indeed you have read correctly, although strange that you didn't see the previous email for a good explanation!?

Remind me to not give you the SOFLAM ...

The devs could fix it indirectly by reducing the draw distance, but I think in this case we can live with a few graphics glitches. In fact that trade-off may be why such large maps are possible but not present in vBF2.

[[R-DEV]OkitaMakoto]

is there a way to manually increase the z buffer...umm... limit? you know like 16-->32-->UBER LEET PR level!! ?

regardless, thanks. i wasnt even the OP, but i got curious since i have these little issues too. but, like you say, its not a big problem, im just glad its not just me

[Chapel]

You may also have issues with your Anti-Aliasing. I believe this is what 'rounds' off edges to make them more eye pleasing and basically shaves edges to make them look cohesive. Might try turning off Anti-Aliasing or turning it ON in your graphics card settings.

I think I have mine off and occasionally see stuff like you're pointing out. However, you get a bigger drain on your system and Gfx card by turning it ON. I believe it may also reduce the Frames Per Second you're able to get.

[[R-DEV]OkitaMakoto]

Originally Posted by Chapel

You may also have issues with your Anti-Aliasing.

hmmm, might be. thats possible, but why only on bigger maps? i mean, it might apply somehow, but idk. i get like 90fps with all settings on full except texture(Medium)

Next time i load up PR, ill put AA down to something lower and post back.

[Ironcomatose]

It happens to me too but i play on all high. But my AA is off...so ima try to turn that up next time i play although i have heard that AA kills your performance.