My God, the 3D works! I just got the glasses, and damn, it really works!

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hi.

I have only had the time to wrestle with two games this time. Both of these are from EA Games, and a pain in the behind to get working on Windows 7.

1. Command & Conquer Generals: 4.7 out of 10. The interface for the game is pretty much nothing to write home about in 3D. The interface does hover as it should, but it just does not add to the wow factor. While playing the game in 3D it quickly became a real strain on the eyes, and something that I couldn't endure no longer than 3 minutes at a time. Also, the Blue color of the USA (campaign) shimmered in, and out of existence which I found really annoying which led me to finish off the campaign in 2D. What a shame, I really liked this game.

2. Lord of the Rings, Battle for Middle Earth: 7.5 out of 10. Very impressive graphics, and this time around it appears that 3D agrees with this game. It's nothing that is on the level of Warhammer, but it sure does place second in the 2D/top down category. I found the main map (where you select your missions) was rather interesting. The interface was crisp, and clean. The game play, and the landscapes are very nice. The reason why I have only given it the 7.7 is the eye strain, although not near as bad as C&C Generals, but still can take it's toll after 10 minutes of game time.

Okay here are the fixes for both of these games, and where to place these to start the games working.

1a. C&C Generals: Unzip the contents of "Command and Conquer Generals Data.zip" into your <driveletter>:\Users\<username>\Documents

2a. Lord of the Ring: Battle for Middle Earth: Unzip "My Battle for Middle-earth Files.zip" into your <drive letter>:\Users\<user Name>\Application Data

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hi.

A few more games I tested in 3D.

1. Silent Hunter 5: 3 out of 10. The reason for the low score is pretty simple to explain, and that is the ghosting problem is very prominent in close quarters, and in the conning tower, and trying to get the settings correct is really difficult to obtain. Even though some aspects of the game are nice to see like the conning tower does show in 3D, unfortunately ghosting appears which end up just taking away from the 3D experience. This game you would think would end up being the coolest game to have in 3D, but with the problems with constantly tweaking the game,coupled with eye strain, it's just not worth playing in 3D.

2. Tiger Woods Golf games 2006 to 2008: 3.5 out of 10. Another let down. The only thing that really makes itself into 3D is the UI, and even that is a bit iffy. As far as 3D working on the surroundings, and the golf ball in flight just isn't anything to write home about. I'm sure for those who have the hardware to bring about true 3D effects, it just won't happen with the Software version.

3. Galactic Civilizations 2: 5.9 out of 10. After doing a very quick setup, the 3D software worked well enough for me to stick with it, and play about an hour after which I had to give my eyes a rest. The loading screens do not appear in 3D, but where this game shines slightly is in the main area where you spend the majority of your time which is the universe map. The UI looks pretty nice, the text seems clear enough to read, and tolerate. All in all it's not bad in 3D.

4. Fifa Manager 10: 2.0 out of 10. Well so far my experience with trying to get any sports game from EA has been a flop, and a disappoint, and it's no different with this title. The UI can sometimes appear as 3D, the rest doesn't no matter how hard I tweaked the settings. Of course it stands to reason though that most of the game is reading text. Now while managing a real-time 3D match the UI again looks like it's in 3D, but trying to get the players in 3D won't happen. I tried every view the game offers, and you just can't get the game to show 3D. This is a total flop in 3D.

5. Black & White 2: 6.9 out of 10. Very interesting game to play in 3D. Your two guides really work well in 3D, the UI work as well. The very cool thing that I first experienced is the choosing your pet, and I found that very enjoyable in 3D. They appeared 3D like I hoped they would, coupled with your guides I know I'll go back to play the game in 3D some more. Now the downside to this is the small living plebes you have to take care off do not appear in 3D, and some of the areas like the trees, homes, mountains do not as well which is a small let down, and of course reduced the overall score. Over all this is a treat to play in 3D.

Note for All Titles: Since I have been testing these games with the 3D software driver, I am pretty sure this has held back what any of these games could give if given the right hardware.

Note 2: I have noticed a drawback to using the green, and magenta colored glasses, and that is anything which is green in game gets toned down to a musty dull brown. I'm pretty sure that this would not be the case with the standard old version colored glasses which are red, and cyan, but since I don't have those colored glasses, I am only guessing.

Cheers...

[born2see]

M: Can you take all this energy and channel it into an Air Strike mod? I've really have had a need for that lately.

Just teasing you a little. Good things come from exploring the unknown.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

M: Can you take all this energy and channel it into an Air Strike mod? I've really have had a need for that lately.

Just teasing you a little. Good things come from exploring the unknown.

Just teasing you a little.

I know you are, and even if you weren't I appreciate where you are coming from.

I don't have the programming experience, and I don't have the mind to do it. If I was a programmer of some sort my first order of business is to create a scenario generator for single player for SOWgb. I would totally ignore the multiplayer aspect. I think it's a cool idea to have MP for this game, a very good step forward but the strentgh is in the single player not in the multiplayer, especially when the companies who offer internet services will soon start charging extra for bandwidth(very much like the version, and other companies are doing now).

Believe me, allot of my energy would be spent on creating a much better single player experience for SOWgb.

I would bet my grungy old shorts that there are more single players out there then there are multiplayer any day of the week, and to ignore them is well destructive....boy this took a turn from where I was trying to go. Hmmm I guess this bothered me more than I thought. :whistle:

Later!