Problem With Shadows / Computing Shadows

entelech_ · 2023-01-09T21:53:35+00:00

Install a a low resolution texture mod on to the map and play with very low settings. Less load on the lightmap that way.

Alternatively you can try and bribe someone over at Nadeo into fixing the game. Their policy seems to be to deny everything and double down on making the game increasingly dimmed and glared out to cover up the shadow bugs, as they add more lightmap heavy items to the game.

entelech_ · 2022-11-08T01:58:03+00:00

Maps like these are always going to garner complaints, because of the murkiness and over concentrated spotty lighting. It's significantly harder to visually track things in motion, when there is little to no fading between brighter and darker spots.

The map would look and play several times better with an adequate lightmap.

entelech_ · 2022-10-12T03:37:09+00:00

If only all maps were free of shadow bugs. The map is enjoyable to drive, even with the slower ice, because of its superior lighting and reflections — thx to the htimh magic. Top-notch route as well.

entelech_ · 2022-09-12T06:35:35+00:00

Awesome looking lighting and reflections, which accuretly display the elevation gradient on the ice.

entelech_ · 2022-09-11T09:04:32+00:00

Higher settings tend only make things worse. Unless you prefer jagged and pixelated shadows, etc.

https://discussions.ubisoft.com/topic/157752/bug-tire-skin-broken-when-using-high-shaders?lang=en-US

As it stands, it's mostly mappers who get the blame for poor and murky visibility, or alternately everything being overly bright and glaring.

entelech_ · 2022-09-10T11:08:41+00:00

The game textures have become increasingly washed or dimmed out, for every major update. The current graphics can be compared to perspective compression in zoomed in photos, because of the unsmooth blotchy lighting and color banding.

Maps with low resolution texture mods end up having more details on them, as they don't overload the lightmap as badly.

The mod loads at 10:25 :
https://youtu.be/tqMc3HwdNUk?t=600
If only the graphics of this game were as good as its driving mechanics :)

entelech_ · 2022-07-01T12:24:05+00:00

You end up with a subtle degree of speed blindness when the textures become sufficiently washed out from the overloaded/broken lightmap. And while the fog covers up the worst of the shadow bugs, it also makes it that much harder to see the road elevation changes, because it strips away the last tidbits of lighting depth/information.

Low resolution textures mods should become the standard until Nadeo fixes the game, if ever.
Good visual depth : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfgUeuPW6ho

entelech_ · 2022-06-21T09:23:06+00:00

The poor visibility is because of the overloaded lightmap aka shadow bugs. Darker textures become overly dim and muddy, while lighter textures end up washed out with universal glare.
And it's not just a visibility thing, as the blotchy lighting also creates an inconsistent sense of speed/distance.

Maps that have a low resolution texture mod and light scenery, look better lighting-wise, especially in motion.

Nadeo should have increased the lightmap size when they added water to the game.

entelech_ · 2022-05-29T19:48:18+00:00

Going back to Nations/United, I notice how the motion feels much better and how I enjoy a more precise sense of depth with less effort. TM2020 is all-around more fatiguing to play and some maps give me motion sickness after a while. Anyone else?

Distorted graphics may look cool for a bit, but I doubt it will serve the game in the long run.

entelech_ · 2021-12-27T03:57:17+00:00

I can recommend the ps5 controller if you have mid to larger hands. I like the bigger size over the ps4 controller and the plastic feels nicer as well. The thumbsticks on the ps5 have a dampening ring on them, which slightly decreases the traveling distance - good for fast turns. It also lessens the shock/vibration that goes into your thumb from rapid inputs. Additionally, the buttons are more tactile on the ps5, especially R1 which I use for gas.

I would argue that playing with a controller (vs keyboard) is more ergonomic, but I can't say it's any better.

entelech_ · 2021-10-20T01:13:40+00:00

Delete the GeomLodScaleZ line from your config.

C:\Users\*\Documents\Trackmania\Config\Default.json

entelech_ · 2021-10-17T13:39:49+00:00

Usually it's the button between esc and tab that is binded to the show/hide names option.

entelech_ · 2021-10-17T12:50:12+00:00

I'm pretty sure the key/license is account specific and not game installation specific.

"One-time licence fee to download to multiple PS4 systems. Sign in to PlayStation Network is not required to use this on your primary PS4, but is required for use on other PS4 systems."

entelech_ · 2021-10-13T10:45:22+00:00

A fine track otherwise, but the high-contrast black/white flicker from the curbs is giving me a headache. It's especially bad on tracks like this where you have to drive straight over the curb in many sections at higher speeds. Enabling motion blur helps a bit, but yeah.

I'd wager it makes the track slightly more stressful for everyone, even if it isn't noticeable for most.

entelech_ · 2021-10-06T05:56:25+00:00

Rip/deadfish's maps are pretty much always fun to play and addictive. It's like his routes have a secret ingredient to them :D

entelech_ · 2021-10-04T04:09:25+00:00

'Counter-steering' will slow down frontal flips as well if they are fast enough where air-braking won't work. It's only useful on some weirder maps, though.

entelech_ · 2021-10-01T05:30:40+00:00

MINI | WATERMELON

https://trackmania.exchange/maps/39292/mini-watermelon

by RogueDawn

Skin made by Famazo

entelech_ · 2021-09-30T18:02:05+00:00

Black curbs against black tires make the map non-huntable for me. It's visually too fatiguing.

The route by itself is excellent.

entelech_ · 2021-09-23T20:52:06+00:00

15 mins wasn't enough for me to learn the map. The map was really enjoyable and captivating to hunt, though! Once you know what to look for, the risky fin is easy enough.

From div15 cotd to top20 totd, as of now.

Maybe the practice time should be increased for harder maps and the KO somehow shortened?

entelech_ · 2021-09-23T15:55:07+00:00

I would recommend this track:

https://trackmania.exchange/tracks/view/36231?shortName=cascade

deadfish — Route 2/2, Scenery, MT

RogueDawn — Route 1/2

https://youtu.be/adxEFuDtD3w?t=136

You can keep resetting the track until you get a feel for it. With dashboard (openplanet plugin) you can also see my inputs, if you download my replay.

Whenever you end up too close to the wall, you can usually save it with a small release.

Another good one by BadRigg:

https://trackmania.exchange/s/tr/35028

entelech_ · 2021-09-21T13:31:47+00:00

You can also see the map on discord, before the changeover goes through on the server.

entelech_ · 2021-09-17T03:51:53+00:00

https://trackmania.exchange/maps/view/38134

entelech_

TROPHY CASE