Anti Aliasing and FOV

[Daz1967]

Thanks, 2K Elizabeth. Much appreciated.

Another issue I have with the game is bizarre "micro-stutter" during some of the levels, most noticeably in Jackie's mansion bits. To elaborate, there's a slight but obvious jerkiness when turning around even though the game is v-synced and running at a constant 60 fps on my system (Core i7-920, GTX 580, 6 GB, Windows 7 SP1 64-bit). It's there at 1920x1080 and 1920x1200. It reminds me of a similar issue with F.E.A.R. 3 before the developers patched the game to fix it.

Someone suggested on the Guru3D forum to limit the framerate to 60 fps (since my 24" display is 60 Hz), which I did by accessing the hidden framerate limiter in the drivers using NVIDIA Inspector v1.9.59. To my surprise, this has completely fixed the issue for me and the game now runs silky-smooth. I'm not sure why this fixed the issue as the framerate was already limited to 60 fps by virtue of having v-sync enabled but it DOES work. Any chance of the developers implementing this into the game or fixing it for good? I'm using the latest v295.51 beta drivers for my graphics card.

[Leeham721]

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...date-announced

This is how PC versions are done:

- Experience Alan Wake's Pacific Northwest in higher resolutions and higher fidelity than ever before.
- Refined and fully configurable mouse and keyboard support (or if you prefer to play with the Microsoft gamepad connected to your PC, you can do that too!) .
- A wide selection of customizable graphics settings and support for 4:3, 16:9 and 16:10 aspect ratios.
- Multithreaded engine that takes advantage of quad core CPUs.
- Additional options our fans have sought after, such as field of view adjustment as well as "hide HUD".
- Works with AMD Eyefinity 3D 3-screen mode.
- Works with NVIDIA NVISION2 Stereoscopic 3D.

[2K Elizabeth]

Hey guys – Wanted to give you an update on some graphical updates the team is working on. Currently, our QA team is testing an FOV slider. I’ll post an update when I hear we’ve cleared the patch – but hopefully it won’t take much longer!

Thanks again,

Elizabeth

[Dopefish.]

Any word on better support for Eyefinity/Surround?

[wkd]

Is there any chance disable hints or hud could also disable "SPACE SKIP" hints?

[Spaztazcular]

While I like TB's videos... I have to say he's a bit off with his FOV video.
Sighting games like Serious Sam 3 and others for having in game FOV options. Where with each of those games the FOV slider was added in through a patch/update after release.

Half-Life 2's FOV slider was added with a patch. Same for Sam3, Hard Reset, Duke Nukem Forever.... and many, many others.
While I agree that being able to adjust your FOV is a good feature for a game, this attitude that a lot of people have that it's an "expected" option for PC games seems to have come out of nowhere.
Yes, in the past we've been able to adjust FOV in various games on PC. But we've done this by tweaking CFG files and using console commands. It's very, very rarely ever been an in game option.
It's only in recent years that developers have taken to adding the option to games through various updates.

And, yes, I'm against cfg files being encrypted so we can't tweak games (Singularity also had a setup like this), but this ideal that an in game FOV slider/option should be included by default really doesn't make any sense as it hasn't been a "standard" option in games.
I've played PC FPS games since Wolf3D. All the way through the big name series, and smaller, lesser known titles. Very, very few of those releases have had a default, in game option to adjust your FOV.


Now, I'm all for adding an option in. And should Digital Extremes update the game with an added FOV option... great. Fantastic. I'll be thrilled. As I'm always happy when developers do that.
Croteam adding the FOV slider to Sam3 was a great addition. But, it's not an option I look for with a brand new release because in all my years playing games... it hasn't been a standard option.

I think the main argument isn't that a FOV slider is standard, but that it should be because of the medical issues involved with it if they are going to set the FOV to a low amount. Or a more simple solution would be to set the FOV between 80-100, instead setting it to a low amount and having people who get headaches from this type of stuff complain to them later. I actually get headaches from low FPV so haven't touched The Darkness 2 after I beat the campaign and will probably avoid games from now on with low FOV due to the fact I'm already prone to headaches to begin with.

[Crackatoah]

Whats going on with this? No update for 5 days..

I have played this game round my friends house and I love the actual game but it is unplayable with such small FOV... I don't understand why the FOV is so small and you cant change it.... For most people it is UN PLAYABLE on the PC the way it is for more than 20 mins of playtime it is very un comfortable and just doesn't feel right.

I wont buy this game until I know I am going to be able to play it comfortably and the way it should be, so please update when you have sorted it, thanks

[2K Elizabeth]

We will definitely update before the patch is released. I haven't heard anything new, but will check back with you guys next week.

[Resorbeo]

Being one of the first people to complain about the problem, I must say I am really surprised it has gained so much attention. I have bought the game day 1 but still can't play it, I can't bear the nauseating effect current FOV has on me. I hope the issue is resolved as soon as possible.

[Dragonknight]

Next WEEK? Are you kidding? You're developers are way too slow.

[Damien_Azreal]

Next WEEK? Are you kidding? You're developers are way too slow.

Do you have any idea what it takes to properly test an update for a PC title?
It's not like testing for consoles which have one hardware configuration.

[nirwin]

Do you have any idea what it takes to properly test an update for a PC title?
It's not like testing for consoles which have one hardware configuration.

To be fair, changing the FoV is simply a matter of altering the projection matrix. I can't imagine any nVidia or ATi card generating a bug due to an altered projection matrix, and if it does, well it would be those companies that should really fix their drivers.

Okay a slider would also need to be added to the menu and an extra value needs to be saved/loaded (using the existing framework) and maybe a few other tweaks here and there. Development of this patch took way too long (unless the code base is a complete shambles). And over a week and a half is surely overkill for the testing, how many rig variations do you think they have sitting around for testing purposes?
Just release it, the 1-2% of people that encounter a problem will let you know what configurations cause an issue, it's not like you'll be making the game unplayable for those small few, it already is unplayable - without feeling sick.
Of course they may be putting more than the FoV fix in the patch, but were I them I would have got the FoV fix out without delaying it for other fixes.

[10hellfire01]

Theyre likely releasing it as a patch to fix other issues as well since it is a new release. So the whole system configuration is a huge factor here and needs extensive testing. The fov issue isnt really a huge issue when compared to something like the game not launching for half the playerbase which would get a hotfix. It is important, but obviously can wait thanks to Dopefish's widescreenfix program.

Being one of the first people to complain about the problem, I must say I am really surprised it has gained so much attention. I have bought the game day 1 but still can't play it, I can't bear the nauseating effect current FOV has on me. I hope the issue is resolved as soon as possible.

So youve waited on something that has no release date set forth and continue to ignore a program which does exactly what a slider does in basic terms? And the game has been out for how long? Almost 2 weeks? Trust me, use it, finish the game, be happy

[Damien_Azreal]

To be fair, changing the FoV is simply a matter of altering the projection matrix....

Theyre likely releasing it as a patch to fix other issues as well since it is a new release.

Yes. As hellfire said, they are most likely making an actual "patch" and working on various other fixes/tweaks and updates. It wouldn't be a very efficient use of time for the developers to make a patch to only add in a FOV slider.
As with DNF, when they added in the FOV slider... they also addressed a lot of other issues, improved the bump map setting and added a 4 weapon option.

[nirwin]

Thanks for that info hellfire. I didn't know widescreen fixer actually worked properly for the Darkness 2, tried it last night and actually got to enjoy a chunk of the game.

It also demonstrated that they do have some work to do on the assets for the increased FoV, Jackie's arms look ridiculous when wielding the Defender (I think) and I did notice a couple of instances when parts of his arms clipped. Oddly enough the demon arms were fine.
Now that I know that work needs to be done, I'm less frustrated about the time it has taken.

[TheCrimsonKing]

Thanks for the heads up on the widescreen fixer app. I was shocked when I saw that the default FOV was set to 45. Here's a comparison showing how much of a difference the fixer makes :

Pic

It was almost impossible for me to enjoy the game at 45. Spinning and flailing the arms around made me feel almost lightheaded.

[10hellfire01]

The widescreen app does work nice, used it with other games in times of need and it never ceases to amaze me lol
As long as you leave interface clipper or whatever it's called, the game won't crash due to the program. And if memory serves me right there was a tendency with the 2 handed guns to show clippage on the demon arms. Been a few weeks since I've played it.

I usually played it at an fov of 71, any higher just makes the demon arms way to long and it just bothered me.

[Stewox]

Hey guys -

The FOV is fixed for a reason - mainly due to the demon arms, which are over your shoulders. This FOV made sense given how they worked.

If true:
Terrible design decision right there.


Just came here to say this - referred from the "heated" debate (noobs are complaining about the PC community "complaining") on Aliens Colonial Marines at GBX forums, but i think that game is not published by 2K am i right ? (didn't research yet :P)

[IllusionOfLife]

If true:
Terrible design decision right there.


Just came here to say this - referred from the "heated" debate (noobs are complaining about the PC community "complaining") on Aliens Colonial Marines at GBX forums, but i think that game is not published by 2K am i right ? (didn't research yet :P)

First of all, it appears there's an update that you missed:

Hey guys – Wanted to give you an update on some graphical updates the team is working on. Currently, our QA team is testing an FOV slider. I’ll post an update when I hear we’ve cleared the patch – but hopefully it won’t take much longer!

Thanks again,

Elizabeth

Second of all, you are correct, Aliens: Colonial Marines is published by SEGA.

[Daz1967]

I'm shocked at how long the FOV patch is taking to arrive considering 2K Elizabeth said it wouldn't be much longer... TWO WEEKS AGO! As others have said, this is far too slow compared with how a small developer like Remedy can manage to patch their Alan Wake game much quicker plus they supported the FOV and screen resolutions properly in the first place unlike this game! I want to play this game but am holding off until the patch is released. Typical 2K though in my experience; they've always taken far too long to release patches compared with other publishers. It was the same story with BioShock/BioShock 2, NBA 2K and other games.

[ARustyFirePlace]

jesus this is taking forever

what's sad is that companies with 2 employees are faster than this

[Damien_Azreal]

Two weeks.
It's been two weeks since Liz fist mentioned the patch in this thread. That's "taking forever"? Really? Wow.

And also, people keep calling this a "FOV patch". Which is most likely completely inaccurate. The coming update will most likely feature other updates, fixes, tweaks and additions. The FOV slider being just one of them.
And as such all changes/fixes need to be tested before being released.

Unless of course people want game breaking patches... then, by all means, release it now. We don't need to be patient and let you test it. No.

[BattementMorte]

So, a month since the release and still no FOV adjustment? Even this thread is started how many weeks ago? FOV slider/adjustment for PC version should have been there since launch. I mean these companies have QA teams, no? I find this highly disrespectful. BTW, also these casual staff responses/updates once a week... Typical shallow crap. It's A FING FOV ADJUSTMENT!
So, considering ME3 I'll pass The Darkness 2. Though, maybe i'll stumble upon it months from now and pay 10 euros for it. That seems like a reasonable price, considering that it's a lesser game than the original anyway.
Also, I don't like to pay money to hurt myself.

[nirwin]

but will check back with you guys next week.

Well that didn't happen. Nothing like being kept in the dark...

[2K Elizabeth]

Well that didn't happen. Nothing like being kept in the dark...

The patch is still in testing. Apologies, it was a busy week.

[Dragonknight]

STILL in testing? How long is it going to take for a FOV fix? This is just plain silly. I've seen mod makers fix games faster than this.

[2K Elizabeth]

STILL in testing? How long is it going to take for a FOV fix? This is just plain silly. I've seen mod makers fix games faster than this.

FOV isn't the only thing we are looking at. Also, mod makers don't have an official sign off process - we need to make sure we thoroughly test and vet what we release before we release it - I'm sure you wouldn't be happy if we released something that caused an issue because we rushed it out the door. I know I wouldn't be.

[nirwin]

Thanks for the update 2k Elizabeth.

It's just nice to hear something, even if it isn't much.

And to those angry about how long the testing is taking, remember that if the testing team are any good, they will find problems, if they find problems the devs do more work, if the devs do more work the testing essentially starts all over.
I know it's frustrating, but quality control is important, and there are some big changes that need to be made in support of the increased FOV (in my opinion).

[ARustyFirePlace]

hopefully this week, atleast NBA 2K12 finally got patched lmfao

[Damien_Azreal]

Personally, they can take as much time as they need to make sure the patch is working without issues. I've got other games I can play in the meantime.
And I don't want to have to go through another case of an update borking my game. Already went through that with Skyrim (and many other games in the past).
2K/Digital Extremes can take their time. Make sure everything is working properly, then get the update out. The game's not going anywhere.

[Dusty_Duck]

Does anyone know what the patch 1.01 for ps3 is or what it fixes

[ARustyFirePlace]

ps3 got a patch? wow....

[shadow987]

I just want point out that the FoV slider was in testing 4 weeks ago, something that a half assed modder can arrange in a couple hour is in the working from more than a month.
I sure am glad to have bought the game on release day at full price, who cares that the darkess 2 was 50% off on steam the other day while i still have to start my first playthrough.
/sarcasm

Well i learned my lesson, next time i will be sure to ceck out that the most basic pc options are in before buying a 2k game again.
If a developer cant be hassed in change a couple numbers in a configuration file in order to fix a gamebreaking problem, it's a signi that they dont want my money.

[Resorbeo]

Seriously, if there is Darkness 3 ever, I am freaking not buying it for sure, nice attitude there, it's been over a month and the option that had to be there at launch is still not implemented. Fail developers, no offense to 2K, but Digital Extremes became worse with years.

[Damien_Azreal]

And responses like this are why some view PC gamers as such "elitist jerks". No patience, no willing to wait... demand everything now, and if it's not perfect the developers suck.

[shadow987]

Yeah how "Elitist" we are, pretending for a working game we paid full price 2 months after the release.

[Fugue]

it does work, the FOV causing nausea does not effect everyone. I can play the PC version without any problems. Not to say there shouldn't be a FOV slider (seems logical that ALL games include it to me) but it's not a broken product.

[shadow987]

So you guys are all ok with playing the game with a console FOV, and the fact that the developers are ditching something that would litteraly take 2hrs of work in order to fix the console versions first, right?

And that's why we dont ever get good ports of console game.

[Fugue]

no I said ALL games should include a FOV slider because then everyone is happy but yes I'm happy playing with a console FOV because it doesn't effect me....

it's all very well saying it only takes a few hours but if someone says the patch needs testing & will include other fixes it's obviously not that simple is it? A modder can release something quickly with a disclaimer

[Dragonknight]

The problem is that a FOV patch should have been released as soon as possible after the game was released, not made part of a patch that would come out at some future time. There is NO excuse for customers to have to wait so long for a FOV fix.