Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Shadows being cut down!

Compnewbie01

Senior member
Aug 8, 2005
603
4
81
Said German version. I do not see why the would make it for ALL versions because it can always be scaled by the user. This only really matters for the 360 in my opinion.
 

Reckoner

Lifer
Jun 11, 2004
10,851
1
81
Originally posted by: Compnewbie01
Said German version. I do not see why the would make it for ALL versions because it can always be scaled by the user. This only really matters for the 360 in my opinion.

The Dev in the discussion confirmed shadows are for characters only.
 

clickynext

Platinum Member
Dec 24, 2004
2,583
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Should have just left it in for PC as an option, disabled by default. Even if the video cards at the time of release won't be able to run it, there would soon be cards that can.
 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
5
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This is happening for the 360 version as well? I thought the next gen console would be able to handle this type of thing with ease.

With the PC version, they should allow players to scale the settings. Perhaps only SLI 7800GTX can play them with all the bells and whistles now, but eventually most of us will be able to once prices of hardware comes down and get better.
 

CTho9305

Elite Member
Jul 26, 2000
9,214
1
81
This is happening for the 360 version as well? I thought the next gen console would be able to handle this type of thing with ease.
That's what they try to do - get you to believe you're buying a supercomputer for $200-400, when in reality you get something that's "reasonably high end" but falls behind quickly.
 

Coquito

Diamond Member
Nov 30, 2003
8,559
1
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This is very bad news if it is indeed official. Those shadows really expanded the base interest across the board for this game. Elder Scrolls was decently big before, but those demos attracted a ton of inquiries from people who don't even play rpgs.
 

Todd33

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2003
7,842
2
81
The 360 is not top end hardware (at least not the CPU and 512MB shared mem). I play NFS:MW and it looks like a mid end computer with a 9800 Pro. 1280x720 no AA and the frame dips to sub 30 constantly. Of course all the power is being used in the first gen games, especially ports.
 

Unkno

Golden Member
Jun 16, 2005
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Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Originally posted by: Pocatello
I'm sure there is a mod later on to enable the option later on.

Doesn't help the x360 users :/


there's not much point in complaining on console owners....since it would be a hardware problem and it would be better without shadows (on console versions) if it increases the fps. There is no point having VERY good graphics while playing it like a slideshow.
 

Reckoner

Lifer
Jun 11, 2004
10,851
1
81
Originally posted by: Unkno
Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Originally posted by: Pocatello
I'm sure there is a mod later on to enable the option later on.

Doesn't help the x360 users :/


there's not much point in complaining on console owners....since it would be a hardware problem and it would be better without shadows (on console versions) if it increases the fps. There is no point having VERY good graphics while playing it like a slideshow.

X360 is supposed to be next gen though. If it can't handle dynamic shadows at an acceptable frame rate then that is disappointing.
 

Unkno

Golden Member
Jun 16, 2005
1,659
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Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Originally posted by: Unkno
Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Originally posted by: Pocatello
I'm sure there is a mod later on to enable the option later on.

Doesn't help the x360 users :/


there's not much point in complaining on console owners....since it would be a hardware problem and it would be better without shadows (on console versions) if it increases the fps. There is no point having VERY good graphics while playing it like a slideshow.

X360 is supposed to be next gen though. If it can't handle dynamic shadows at an acceptable frame rate then that is disappointing.


it's "next gen" when compared to the past consoles.....but when compared to pc, they both have similar hardware out now.
 

Atheus

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2005
7,313
2
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Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Due to frame rate problems, only characters are getting shadows now. Bleh :(

So rewrite the shadows and make it scalable! Dammit that's just lazy.
 

StrangerGuy

Diamond Member
May 9, 2004
8,443
124
106
I don't really care about the damn shadows...Just hope they don't kill some of the gameplay.
 

deadseasquirrel

Golden Member
Nov 20, 2001
1,736
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Originally posted by: StrangerGuy
I don't really care about the damn shadows...Just hope they don't kill some of the gameplay.

:thumbsup:

In this game, gameplay is key. However, the fact that the surroundings are gorgeous does, in fact, make playing the game more fun.

My thought is that they are soooo close to final production on this title that it is not going to be possible to rip out all the code for the realtime shadows. Surely there will be some kind of "1" or "0" switch in an .ini file somewhere that turns it all back on. My guess is that it will likely kill framerates to where it is unplayable.

It is too bad though. After watching that video in the dungeon and seeing the chain swing back and forth, the realtime shadows impressed me more than the physics. I hate to see all that gone (especially if it's because the Xbox360 can't handle it and so PC users don't get the option).
 

clickynext

Platinum Member
Dec 24, 2004
2,583
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I seem to remember that when morrowind came out, its graphics brought the latest graphics cards to their knees. I never had the latest, but a year or two after the game came out, I bought it, and frame rates still dipped below 10 when I tried turning all the settings to full. I think that with PC it's really not an issue for a game to have graphics that PCs can't handle as long as the features can be turned on/off, are scalable, etc.
 

Dethfrumbelo

Golden Member
Nov 16, 2004
1,499
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What would really be bad is if they dropped the radiant AI system and replaced it with their old static crap.
 

Elcs

Diamond Member
Apr 27, 2002
6,278
6
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If they are having problems getting the game to fit around the hardware, why cant they just improve the engine?

I do realise that companies have deadlines, games which take too long lose a lot of value over hype when they are released (HL2/Doom3) or if they are released at all (STALKER/Duke Nukem).

BUT.... Im personally sick of companies releasing poor games (not in this case i hope) or removing/dulling down features which perhaps arent critical to the game but which helps to add the immersion factor which can turn a mediocre game into something addictive.

(Point above. Diablo2. Average graphics, mindless hack and slash action, minor RPG elements, story takes a back seat.... but its still a large game today. I remember getting the game on Friday 30th June 2000, the last day of my work experience at school, its release date... so this game is 5 1/2 years old and still going strong. Why? Its blend of features, playability and replayability made it addictive. A single strong point cannot make up for major deficiencies but a more well-rounded game can be great.)

Personally, I didnt get into Morrowind so much. I found it very difficult and overwhelming.... Since Im earning more money now, I might consider getting it when it hits bargain bin stage #1 or around its release, depending on reviews, money and work.
 

Dethfrumbelo

Golden Member
Nov 16, 2004
1,499
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There's a thread over at Hard Forum showing screenshots with and without the shadows, and without looks pretty baaad. It doesn't look next-gen anymore. Not even close.
 

CHfan4ever

Diamond Member
Oct 1, 2004
3,290
0
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wooo wait.Shadows on caracters only??? wtf.What about house, castle??? I dont care about shadows being remove on a freakin candle...but removing the shadows on everything except caracters???

Wow

Dissapointing