[ichneumon]

Here are a few screen shots to help you recognize and appreciate the new alpha channels. The first image of the freighter shows one of the new skins without the sunlight reflecting off the surfaces. The second image shows the same freighter from a different angle where the sunlight is being reflected by the flat surfaces. Notice that the portholes and weathering are not shiny like the clean flat surfaces on the hull. Also notice that the shine is variable on the hull and helps make the texture look more 3D



The next image shows an old alpha channel from GWX on a Hunt. Notice that the shine on the superstructure is the same regardless of whether it is a window, porthole, or flat metal plate. The alpha channel can not be seen all the time but when it can be seen the new ones really help improve the 3D illusion and give the models more "weight". The old alpha channels make the models look flat.