Allow "Sight = 5" to be selectable to increase environment view distance.

june
june Posts: 0 Arc User
edited October 2008 in Suggestion Box
Please allow "Sight = 5" to be selectable in order to increase environmental view distance.
Increasing the view distance, provides enhances the visuals of Perfect World with extraordinary depth of vision for a fully immersing experience. The setting is labeled "Distance" in the "settings" menu of the Launcher.

Plume Screenshot with "Sight = 4", the current maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Plume-Sight4.jpg
Plume Screenshot with "Sight = 5", the proposed new maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Plume-Sight5.jpg
This screenshot is the view, that new players starting as Winged Elves, will have. With "Sight = 4", it looks like an unnatural nothingness has eaten rock, tree, root, and building, while leaving nothing but Plume City as the last bastion of life. With "Sight = 5", the great tree City of Plume once again looks like it resides in a forest, and cliffs are visible and defined toward the horizon. Note the little details, such as an archway, two buildings and rocks on the opposite river bank, the giant thorny vine, and the tall rock.

Ethersword Screenshot with "Sight = 4", the current maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Ethersword-Sight4.jpg
Ethersword Screenshot with "Sight = 5", the proposed new maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Ethersword-Sight5.jpg
After applying "Sight = 5", Ethersword transforms from a border town, into a massive human city. The teleporter platform and the central palace become visible. Trees and rocks and a mountain range sprout beyond the city. The bridge on the other side of Ethersword can also be faintly seen.

City of Lost Screenshot with "Sight = 4", the current maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Lost-Sight4.jpg
City of Lost Screenshot with "Sight = 5", the proposed maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Lost-Sight5.jpg
This screenshot is from the South gate looking north. With "Sight = 5", the Jump Quest Gate becomes visible, as well as trees in the trainee area beyond it.

Archosaur Screenshot 1 with "Sight = 4", the current maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Archosaur1-Sight4d.jpg
Archosaur Screenshot 1 with "Sight = 5", the proposed new maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Archosaur1-Sight5.jpg
Differences: Inability to see Heaven's Tear from Archosaur with "Sight =4". Trees in the distance as well as mountain ranges are not visible.

Archosaur Screenshot 2 with "Sight = 4", the current maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Archosaur2-Sight4d.jpg
Archosaur Screenshot 2 with "Sight = 5", the proposed new maximum setting:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/aliaporci/Archosaur2-Sight5.jpg
Differences: "Sight = 4" is noticeably limited from this viewpoint. The statues and globe on the stand are missing. The walls and gate in rear are missing and the central pedestal is missing its light. The mountain ranges are not as defined.

Pros
* Setting is completely client side. Will not increase server load.
* Setting is not unbalanced for game play. Does not and cannot change the visual distance of NPCs/PCs/mobs.
* Raises Perfect Worlds graphics level in order to compete with games that been newly developed that have not had deferred localization.
* Instead of trees of buildings popping out of nowhere with "Sight = 4", objects will more slowly seem to melt out of the fog effect in the distance.
* Makes the amazing graphics look even more amazing. Attract more players and increase profit.

Cons
* Users with lower priced graphics cards older than 2 years may experience low frame rates. However, the same users would most likely experience low frame rates with current maximum setting.

Files of interest:
\Perfect World International\patcher\skin\mainuni.xml change required: location of "settings" dialog accessed from launcher
\Perfect World International\config\patcher\video.cfg automatically changed: file set by "settings" accessed from launcher
\Perfect World International\element\userdata\systemsettings.ini automatically changed: file update by "settings" accessed from launcher on start of Perfect World
Additional changes required in the compressed data pack for the in game menu.
Additional changes required in element.exe or probably launcher.exe to allow "Sight=5" in the systemsettings.ini process. <-- Search for the points in the code where this file is accessed. A check is currently done before it is loaded where it sees "Sight=5" as invalid and will load "Sight=1" into systemsettings.ini instead. Without looking at the code but seeing the method the setting is blocked, that is the last part that has to be changed in order for Sight=5 function to be functional for every user, and that this code must be in Launcher.exe.
*Edited*
After clicking "Confirm" on the settings dialog, "Sight=5" fails verification and "Sight =0" is written into systemsettings.ini instead. The if/else verification condition in Launcher.exe needs to be changed. The funny thing is that it still writes "SightSelect=5" into the Video.cfg, but that file seems maybe to be used only as a initial default setting. Please see below for more elaboration on this.

Required changes to implement:
\Perfect World International\patcher\skin\mainuni.xml
<SkinSlider Name="SightSelect" MapColor="128,255,255" Min="0" Max="4" DrawAllEx="true" ExpandWidth="3" Option="VideoSelection">
<SkinArt>
<Image Type="BackgroundImage" Path="skin/image/slider-bg.bmp"/>
<Image Type="FocusedImage" Path="skin/image/slider-focused.bmp"/>
<Image Type="ExpandBackgroundImage" Path="skin/image/slider-expand3.bmp"/>
</SkinArt>
</SkinSlider>

changed to:
<SkinSlider Name="SightSelect" MapColor="128,255,255" Min="0" Max="5" DrawAllEx="true" ExpandWidth="3" Option="VideoSelection">
<SkinArt>
<Image Type="BackgroundImage" Path="skin/image/slider-bg.bmp"/>
<Image Type="FocusedImage" Path="skin/image/slider-focused.bmp"/>
<Image Type="ExpandBackgroundImage" Path="skin/image/slider-expand3.bmp"/>
</SkinArt>
</SkinSlider>

Results after setting Distance to 5 from the settings tab of the launcher:
\Perfect World International\config\patcher\video.cfg
SightSelect 5
WaterSelect 2
TerrainSelect 1
VegetationSelect 4
...

\Perfect World International\element\userdata\systemsettings.ini
Code:

Level = 4
Sight = 5
WaterEffect = 2
...

Additional changes:
With the above single line change, a "Sight" of "5" is already selectable, but that is not the end. A similar same change for the in game "Settings" dialog to be complete.

*Edited*
The next and final step would be to make sure that in Launcher.exe, when "Confirm" is clicked, that Sight=5 is accepted. It should be a simple change where the hard coded limit is change from 4 to 5. The code will have to be changed in something like this:
if((sight>=0) && (sight<=5)) fprintf(pSystemsettings, "Sight = %d\n", sight);
else fprintf(pSystemsettings, "Sight = 0\n");
or
if((sight<0) || (sight>5)) fprintf(pSystemsettings, "Sight = 0\n");
else fprintf(pSystemsettings, "Sight = %d\n", sight);

Those are the last changes. Element.exe does not seem to perform verification of the values in systemsettings.ini.

That's a simplification if you have the original source. Sight value is probably in some class, so SomeClass->sight, or in an array for obscurity, and the number 4 which needs to be changed into 5 may be in array, or more easily in preprocessor code as #define SIGHTSELECTMAX 4. And instead of fprintf, the code may have cout.

Anyway, I'm writing all this to try and make it easier if a developer decides to make a change if she or he has not yet examined that area of the code.
Thank you for your time.

/* robotic coding mode off. please make this change. pretty please? */

Disclaimer to players: While it is possible to edit the file mainuni.xml file oneself to enable the setting on own's one client, please do not, as it is an account bannable offense to edit the any of the Perfect World files. Please allow the developers to change the file in a future patch, after which, we can all enjoy the extended environment view distance without fear of a ban reprisal. Thank you.
Post edited by june on

Comments

  • cheaper
    cheaper Posts: 1 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    this is cool, they might add it.

    wouldn't lose anything by adding it : )
  • ren
    ren Posts: 662 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    This thread is signed.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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  • faruxue
    faruxue Posts: 243 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    Have you considered the fact that Sight = 4 is taken at night, and Sight = 5 is taken during the day reduces view distance of Sight = 4 and enhances Sight = 5.
    ULTIMATE TOPIC:
    See 3 RQ get owned by 1 WB
    copy and paste onto your web link
    pwi-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=33421
  • june
    june Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    faruxue wrote: »
    Have you considered the fact that Sight = 4 is taken at night, and Sight = 5 is taken during the day reduces view distance of Sight = 4 and enhances Sight = 5.

    Yes, I have. The difference between day and night is a change in lighting, and certain environmental effects.

    When I have the time, I will take the same screenshots at Sight=4 for day also. You will see that the view distance is not really different than in the day, except everything is brighter.
  • june
    june Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    Screenshots of the starting cities, Ethersword, Lost, Plume, have been added. I've taken more screenshots so that each set is at the same time of day. Some of the links to the images were incorrect, and half the post had been cut off, and are all now fixed.

    In addition, I just want the add that the game experience is enhanced throughout one's travels in Perfect World. Being able too see the islands, waterfalls, windmills in the distance makes one feel that one is really there. The hidden capabilities of the Element engine (now supplanted by Angelica 3D) are astounding and can still hold up visually against the latest MMORPGs.
  • esux
    esux Posts: 87 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    That's quite an amazing difference. I hope this gets implemented.
  • june
    june Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    esux wrote: »
    That's quite an amazing difference. I hope this gets implemented.

    Yes, I don't know why it's not part of the default setting in the first place, except that the game first came out in China as the original Perfect World over 3 years ago, when most people's graphic cards would not be able to handle it maybe? In each expansion, you can see they started using higher detail textures and models to keep up with the advance in technology, but that setting has remained untouched. (By the way, I noticed the NPC model and skin updates for Perfect World International. Very brilliant job.)

    Please, if not me or other players, but to attract new players with the depth of the graphics, which will increase your company's profits.
  • pxragez0r
    pxragez0r Posts: 39 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    Amen to this thread. It would really nice to have implemented along with some extra zoom.

    BUT. the problem with this is that, not many players PC could exactly handle this much detailing, now, I've noticed you've taken the screenshots of near empty cities with no significant user polygons added. Do the samething in ADC on a friday night when every merchant in game sets their afk shop bots in west ADC. Tell me you don't experience just a tiny little gfx lag and I'll shut the hell up.
    ~ hungry for c00kies ~
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • t0yo
    t0yo Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    Be careful though june, to be honest I've used this before on pw-my but the admins are very strict when it comes to edititng perfect world files, just like with the zoom increase =/

    So as an 'official' player of Perfect World you'd have to frown down on this sort of behaviour
    [SIGPIC]http://tinypic.com/r/1zokwus/7[/SIGPIC]
  • jadedmojo
    jadedmojo Posts: 7 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    pxragez0r wrote: »
    Amen to this thread. It would really nice to have implemented along with some extra zoom.

    BUT. the problem with this is that, not many players PC could exactly handle this much detailing, now, I've noticed you've taken the screenshots of near empty cities with no significant user polygons added. Do the samething in ADC on a friday night when every merchant in game sets their afk shop bots in west ADC. Tell me you don't experience just a tiny little gfx lag and I'll shut the hell up.


    This is a land view extension, the player/bot view distances is not effected. But I might be wrong.

    I add my agreement to bumping max sight to 5
  • ren
    ren Posts: 662 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    pxragez0r wrote: »
    BUT. the problem with this is that, not many players PC could exactly handle this much detailing, now, I've noticed you've taken the screenshots of near empty cities with no significant user polygons added. Do the samething in ADC on a friday night when every merchant in game sets their afk shop bots in west ADC. Tell me you don't experience just a tiny little gfx lag and I'll shut the hell up.

    Completely irrelevant, people can turn it down if they can't handle it, simple as that.
    ADC will always lag no matter how good your pc is.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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  • pxragez0r
    pxragez0r Posts: 39 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    touche' and point taken. I'll sthu then :P
    ~ hungry for c00kies ~
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • june
    june Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    t0yo wrote: »
    Be careful though june, to be honest I've used this before on pw-my but the admins are very strict when it comes to edititng perfect world files, just like with the zoom increase =/

    So as an 'official' player of Perfect World you'd have to frown down on this sort of behaviour

    Thanks t0yo. I've added a disclaimer to the original post so that people won't be tempted to use that modification (even though the post is directed at the developers.)
  • kelo
    kelo Posts: 107 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    just wow

    I really hope GM will read this one and submit it to devs, because that's probably the most well-built and complete suggestion I've ever read. I does improve the games graphics and, doing so, the game experience. And you certainly proved that this does not require big changes in files to do it.

    Since it would likely be a slider-like option, it doesn't affect people with older computers experience, since they aren't forced to max the vision distance.

    I really hope this gets implemented in game ^^
    ~ Through the darkest of night, we shall shine brightly, revealing the path to both friendship and glory ~
    Kelovar, Radiance executor
  • soukyuu
    soukyuu Posts: 809 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    june wrote: »

    Thanks t0yo. I've added a disclaimer to the original post so that people won't be tempted to use that modification (even though the post is directed at the developers.)
    Well, thinking theoretically, i'm curious how will they be able to ban you for something that only affects you and doesn't affect the server in any way?

    Either way, Sight=5 = win. I'm really annoyed by the "holes" in the environment atm.... Just curious, is 5 the max setting? Or is 6-10 also possible? :D
    PW has been endless frustration for me #2
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • lisellemorrow
    lisellemorrow Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    /signed completely

    Any optional change that enhances the game's visual experience for those with a PC capable of handling it is a win/win situation in my book. :)

    And those full-view screenshots look amazing.
  • matthew
    matthew Posts: 135 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    June, you rock. Yes, please do this. Vision distance is much improved. I'm trying to do it, but the slider on display settings from the launcher keeps reseting it to 1 every time after I slide it to the new setting of 5. Have you gotten this to work in the latest versions, june, or is this before the last patch or on a private server?
  • june
    june Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2008

    Initial Post Edited. Developers. Green areas are the updates,
    matthew wrote: »
    June, you rock. Yes, please do this. Vision distance is much improved. I'm trying to do it, but the slider on display settings from the launcher keeps reseting it to 1 every time after I slide it to the new setting of 5. Have you gotten this to work in the latest versions, june, or is this before the last patch or on a private server?

    Thanks. ^_^ The launcher is seeing the setting of 5 as out of bounds, and is instead writing:
    "Sight = 0" into your systemsetting.ini file.

    /*
    If there was only a way to write "Sight = 5" directly into:
    \Perfect World International\element\userdata\systemsettings.ini
    replacing where it say "Sight = 4" without going through the launcher. :confused::confused::confused:
    */

    Anyway, we really need to wait until the devs decide to code this in. That way, we can all appreciate the view. ;)

    By the way, it looks like I'm going ahead with forming that guild with Kitty_Kat. If zen prices are okay, maybe we'll see each other in game again there!



    Initial Post Edited. Developers. Green areas are the updates,
  • ren
    ren Posts: 662 Arc User
    edited August 2008
    I would imagine denying write permissions on an NTFS file system will stop that patcher in its tracks.

    Or you can put the modded ini back after it patches, then it'll use it anyway.
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  • Tosefine - Heavens Tear
    Tosefine - Heavens Tear Posts: 26 Arc User
    edited October 2008
    If i want to increase:
    WaterEffect = 2
    SimpleTerrain = 0
    TreeDetail = 4
    GrassDetail = 4
    CloudDetail = 4
    Shadow = 1
    MipMapBias = 1
    FullGlow = 0
    SpaceWarp = 0
    SunFlare = 1
    AdvancedWaterUD = 1
    TexDetail = 0
    SoundQuality = 0

    Do i also need to change them somewhere else then in systemsettings.ini like I need to do with sight?
    And what is max by those things? (5?, 10? 1 if it has a 0?)

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