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Dark Avatar: The Graphics difference

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Dark Avatar: The Graphics difference

Just a sample..

from GalCiv2 Forums

While not technically a feature, one of the things in Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar that long time players will notice is the significant improvement in graphics quality.


Military Starbase in GalCiv II: Dark Avatar

VS.


Military starbase in GalCiv II: Dread Lords (original)

These kinds of improvements are present across the entire expansion pack.  Moreover, because of improvements in how we did the textures, they actually use less memory.

 

33,796 views 38 replies
Reply #26 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
My guess would be it's because you have a Radeon SE. SE cards have half the memory bandwidth of standard ones, so despite having a decent fill-rate it's a lot more likely to choke when trying to move textures in and out of VRAM. And while the new textures are reused across multiple models, they are indeed individually larger as BoogieBac noted.
Reply #27 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The DA starbase texture looks like a starbase with its bays doors permanently open on the sides and looks like your looking at the flooring lights.Just my interpretation perhaps.There is a darker tone than a shiny texture would be reflecting off the side in space.
Now that I look at it again there are more light details around it making it look like there are occupiable quarters and work spaces.
Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #28 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I am impressed that you know my graphics card well enough to know what my problem is! By chance can you recommend one for Less than US$100 that will be better than what I've got? Since mine is a couple years old, I don't imagine it will be that difficult...
Reply #29 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
By chance can you recommend one for Less than US$100 that will be better than what I've got?


A quick search on NewEgg turned up a Radeon x1650PRO 256MB and a GeForce 7600GS 256MB, both $99.99 after rebate. Either one should be more than enough for GC2, as well as running other current games decently (they're both mid-range cards).
Reply #30 from GalCiv2 Forums Top



By chance can you recommend one for Less than US$100 that will be better than what I've got?


A quick search on NewEgg turned up a Radeon x1650PRO 256MB and a GeForce 7600GS 256MB, both $99.99 after rebate. Either one should be more than enough for GC2, as well as running other current games decently (they're both mid-range cards).



I am using an ATI 1600 and DA pre is running just great but then I also have a pretty good chip/mobo so your machine might need more overhauling for real pleasure.
Reply #31 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Go for the 7600GS.
Reply #33 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Drink 100 less capachinos and your there.
Reply #34 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you're looking for a cheaper card, there are plenty of options. You can even find decent enough cards for about $75 without a rebate. (I know "under $100 with a rebate" probably isn't what you were looking for when you're on such a limited budget.)

Try here for a start: Linky
Reply #35 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
7300 GS and 6600 cards are probably the best on that list.

The 6600 range is better.
Reply #36 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you want a new video card, wait for April. Nvidia and ATI are both unleashing their new DX10-class lineup around then, so you should be able to buy a sub-$100 card that performs as well as the $150ish cards do today.
Reply #37 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks guys! It's been so long since I went shopping for any computer parts that I have very little idea of what's out there anymore...
Reply #38 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
one thing i'd suggested to Kryo a while back is hardpoint caps: blank jewelry pieces that could be used to 'cap' hardpoints on a ship design, so that if and when the computer used the design it'd have far fewer options of where to put its components

I don't recall anyone suggesting that in the past, but that is an intersting idea. I might well add that when I update for DA.


it's possible i only thought to suggest it, but at the same time you read so much you're bound to miss a thing or two. i'd still love to work with them! i'd even be willing to promise to upload some ship packs (eventually).for any who might want them.