[REL] Improved Stock Environment

[Caustic]

Improved Stock Environment v3

Changes the water and sky mechanics of the stock environment to create a more realistic ocean environment that respects the original atmosphere of the game(SH 1.4/1.5). JSGME compatible. Scene.dat file modified from Real Environment Mod. ISE is compatible with TMO and RFB, just ensure that ISE is installed after your mod of choice. Improved Stock Environment is compatible with RSRDC.

As of version 3, the mod is officially compatible with TMO and RFB, just make sure to download the appropriate version.

Improved Stock Environment(ISE) v3
by Caustic and Traveller (Clouds v1.1)
-----------------------------------------
-New textures for in-game effects(Fog,Smoke,fire,Explosions,Debris, and Seafoam)
-Enhanced sky and cloud textures
-New water textures
-Added realistic moon texture with new shader
-Improved ship wakes with high resolution textures
-Reduced the amount of underwater impurities for cleaner visibility
-Increased the amount of debris from destroyed ships
-Added realistic environmental and sub sounds
-Greatly reduced the stock lightshafts for a more realistic appearence
-The sky is now visible from underwater
-Replaced stock terrain textures
-Modified env color file to provide more realistic night environments
-Reduced the size of underwater seaplants

Installation

-Extract to Generic Mod Enabler folder
or C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Silent Hunters Wolves of the Pacific\Data

New Moon Texture
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9416/moona.jpg

Screenshots
-----------------------------------------------------
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg37/scaled.php?server=37&filename=sh4wotp20120518131723.png&res=landinghttp://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg840/scaled.php?server=840&filename=sh4wotp20120516111855.png&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg444/scaled.php?server=444&filename=sh4wotp20120516112021.png&res=landinghttp://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg221/scaled.php?server=221&filename=sh4wotp20120518131214.png&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg577/scaled.php?server=577&filename=sh4wotp20120518131538.png&res=landing

TMO + Improved Stock Environment
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg28/scaled.php?server=28&filename=sh4wotp20120516100651.png&res=landing

Download Links

Improved Stock Environment v3 (http://www.mediafire.com/?qg1alcolb9hvnu2)
Improved Stock Environment v3 - TMO&RFB (http://www.mediafire.com/?o8hidd1ey11jek2)

This is most likely the final version of this mod. As usual, the thread is open for comments and such; I hope you enjoy what I feel is the best that SH4 can offer in terms of immersion and realism.

Optional Mods
#1 ISE New clouds+Waves (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7c5dmlw2w4xqxdp)
#2 ISE Realistic Colors (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?8c48d5jptc7envq)

These mods must be installed after Improved Stock Environment v3.

[TorpX]

It looks good. Can it be used with RFB without "breaking" anything?

[Caustic]

It looks good. Can it be used with RFB without "breaking" anything?

I did actually test this mod with RFB and TMO and it works completely, the new scene.dat would not mess up AI sensors or anything like that. Unfortunately, I did not like the new appearence after trying the mod with RFB and TMO but it's a matter of taste, feel free to try it for yourself.

Improved Stock Environment must be installed after RFB and TMO in JSGME for it to work properly.

[Caustic]

Work In Progress
http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123129415-4.jpg

[virtualpender]

The screenshots are beautiful! The last one is truly photo realistic. Can't wait to load this up in TMO.

[iambecomelife]

Very nice. The sea doesn't have that cartoon, bright blue look that annoys me. Downloading now!

[Caustic]

Very nice. The sea doesn't have that cartoon, bright blue look that annoys me. Downloading now!
These changes will be coming in version 2, i'm testing some more things and waiting for more ideas.

[Caustic]

The screenshots are beautiful! The last one is truly photo realistic. Can't wait to load this up in TMO.
It will appear differently in TMO because of the various shaders that are used. It will still look quite good, i'll post screenshots of this mod in TMO and RFB later. This mod was originally designed only to be used on the stock game and I made it because I got tired of Real Environment.

[fitzcarraldo]

It will appear differently in TMO because of the various shaders that are used. It will still look quite good, i'll post screenshots of this mod in TMO and RFB later. This mod was originally designed only to be used on the stock game and I made it because I got tired of Real Environment.

It seems a great improvement of the vanilla environment, and I like to install it in my TMO 25 plus RSRDC.

I see you made only changes in the scene.dat file, it is all your mod. Of course, this scene.dat will work with the environment files of TMO 25, and the final result will be different with vanilla enviro files.

What about to add in the mod the vanilla enviro files of SH4 1.5 (shaders, etc.)? It seems the results will be the environment you made for stock SH4.

I don´t try your mod because I am in Chicago now (my second home), and here I haven´t SH4 (only SH3 in my laptop). I don´t know the complete list of files of the default environment; please, if you know that, post the list and we will do the modifications for a complete SH4 improved stock environment for TMO.

Many thanks and best regards.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[Caustic]

Version 2 WIP (Additional compatibility and changes for TMO/RFB)

Made immense changes to the mod that make it more compatible with TMO and RFB, bringing more of the improved stock environment to these supermods by including new sky and ocean colors. Water has generally been improved as well and appears less "stormy" and more reflective. If everyone is happy with the results, i will release version 2.

Screenshots
-------------------------

Stock (Low wind conditions)

http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123135755-4.jpg

TMO (Moderate wind conditions)

http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123135583-4.jpg

RFB (Moderate wind conditions)

http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123135652-4.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Underwater

http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123136474-4.jpg

:rock:

[stanger]

I like those screens, especially 4th one from your first post; can you, by any chance, point me in the right direction to get back such fog in TMO? Right now TMOs fog (light one) looks like someone crack up my monitors gamma; really annoying. I did look into scene.dat, compared it to stock one, but dont know which values are responsible for fog appearance (Im assuming its not fog distances, maybe its env files or even some separate texture file in TMO that need to be changed?).

[arnahud2]

Very very very nice job, version 2 seems better :yeah:

[fitzcarraldo]

Very very very nice job, version 2 seems better :yeah:

+1: great job for TMO!!! Please, post a download link!

Many thanks.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[Caustic]

I like those screens, especially 4th one from your first post; can you, by any chance, point me in the right direction to get back such fog in TMO? Right now TMOs fog (light one) looks like someone crack up my monitors gamma; really annoying. I did look into scene.dat, compared it to stock one, but dont know which values are responsible for fog appearance (Im assuming its not fog distances, maybe its env files or even some separate texture file in TMO that need to be changed?).
This issue has been annoying me for some time. The fog controller is in the scene.dat but it is dictated by some other file, same for water transparency as well but since I like the current look, I haven't decided to change fog levels. Keeping the shaders for TMO and RFB is good because they are superior to the stock game even though they may look different in screenshots. Version 2 coming out today. Traveller has given me permission to use his clouds mod which will allow for more realistic cloud shadows and slower moving clouds (Clouds are horrendously fast in the stock environment).

[Caustic]

Improved Stock Environment(ISE) v2.0
by Caustic and Traveller (Clouds v1.1)
------------------------------------------
-Made waves less aggressive and choppy to eliminate stormy appearence.
-Changed water opacity for more realistic underwater lighting.
-Added sky and env color files for additional compatibility with TMO and RFB.
-Tweaked reflection intensity back to stock values.(0.1 to 1.0)
-Lowered wind speed values.
-Grain effect(post-processing) has been fixed/removed.

+Added Clouds v1.1 by Traveller
-Reduces cloud morphing speed for more realistic appearence
-More realistic cloud shadows
:ping:

Download (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?4houmfy6pyfrk64)

http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123136043-4.jpg
http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123136112-4.jpg

[fitzcarraldo]

Changes the water and sky mechanics of the stock environment to create a more realistic ocean environment that respects the original atmosphere of the game(SH 1.4/1.5). JSGME compatible. Scene.dat file modified from Real Environment Mod. ISE is compatible with TMO and RFB, just ensure that ISE is installed after your mod of choice.

Version 2 Released!!!


Have fun hunting the new waters of the pacific. Version 2 Released!!!
:arrgh!:

Many thanks for the Version 2!!! SH4 is live!!!!

Best regards!

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[ichso]

wow, that looks good will try it, thanks for the effort

[Caustic]

wow, that looks good will try it, thanks for the effort
No problem, it was a pleasure to work on this mod as SH4 needed a new environmental mod. If there are any bugs, let me know. Feel free to post some screenshots as well.

[TorpX]

Improved Stock Environment(ISE) v2.0
by Caustic and Traveller (Clouds v1.1)
------------------------------------------
-Made waves less aggressive and choppy to eliminate stormy appearence.
-Changed water opacity for more realistic underwater lighting.
-Added sky and env color files for additional compatibility with TMO and RFB.
-Tweaked reflection intensity back to stock values.(0.1 to 1.0)
-Lowered wind speed values.
-Grain effect(post-processing) has been fixed/removed.

+Added Clouds v1.1 by Traveller
-Reduces cloud morphing speed for more realistic appearence
-More realistic cloud shadows



I don't understand about the wind speed. Does this mean we won't have windy weather?

[Caustic]

I don't understand about the wind speed. Does this mean we won't have windy weather?

Global weather has not changed. Wind values in scene.dat relate to how the wind interacts with the water. Higher wind values create a more sheared appearence (like in the original stock environment), and vice versa. I don't know that much about it it's just something I changed to get the appearence I liked. After testing the mod, I encountered different kinds of weather from hurricane conditions to calm conditions.

[Traveller]

Looking really great. :up:

[Soviet Creeper]

I love this, I find everything so nice that I actully go to the bridge every few days just to look, no more camping in the map room for 50 days for me :)

[Caustic]

I love this, I find everything so nice that I actully go to the bridge every few days just to look, no more camping in the map room for 50 days for me :)
The days of creeping are over. You probably played other environmental mods, can't imagine playing without something other than the stock graphics, they are quite putrid.

[Hylander_1314]

Great mod Caustic! The fog is a little much though. Any chance you could get it closer to TMO's settings? Light fog, is very thin, and you can still make out the horizon, although just barely.

Lookouts can still see ships up to about 7000 yards max, and you can see them too, although they are onlt silouettes.

Love the colors for water and atmospherics, and the clouds and patterns.

Almost have to make seperate versions for the different mods though.

[Caustic]

Great mod Caustic! The fog is a little much though. Any chance you could get it closer to TMO's settings? Light fog, is very thin, and you can still make out the horizon, although just barely.

Lookouts can still see ships up to about 7000 yards max, and you can see them too, although they are onlt silouettes.

Love the colors for water and atmospherics, and the clouds and patterns.

Almost have to make seperate versions for the different mods though.
Thanks, It's nice to have one centralized mod. Personally, I really love the heavier fog where enemies can sneak up on you. Perhaps you could post some screenshots of the effect you are discussing and I could possibly implement it somewhere. I have not yet began to modify the environmental files due to the work involved and the exceptional results that occured just by focusing on the scene.dat. My knowledge base is also somewhat limited but i'm still learning.

It would be nice to have a completely new environmental mod but there is already tons of variety out there in this mod and other mods alike. I wonder if you can genuinely create something unique, particularly the water mechanics which cannot be made to look more aesthetic than they currently are. However....Lighting, fog, and ocean color are things that can be greatly customized and possibly improved.

[Fish40]

Nice work on your mod Caustic. Like you mentioned, I wonder how much further an environment mod could be taken than already exists. Work on such a mod began with the great Leovampire (Dave) and his LBO mod, the files of which are still available. After his untimely passing a few years ago, Kriller took up the torch and continued his work. W Clear began work on another fantastic mod, which I believe is incorporated in TMO. Somewhere down the line as time went by, Kriller and Clear combined efforts, and the result, I believe is what is used in RFB. All the time, actual Pacific seascapes were used as references for water color, and appearence at different times of day. I think at this time we have reached a zenith of environmental development due to game limitations.

[Caustic]

I figured out a way to greatly innovate the mod that allows for a unique appearence not featured in other environmental mods. The next update should be bigger than the last two combined as I'm deviating from the stock environment even more by using custom textures(For Ocean,Sky +More!) and sounds. ISE could possibly become a standalone environmental mod but i'm still using the stock sky and ocean colors at this time. Some early screenshots of my work.

Stock SH4 1.5 + Improved Stock Environment v2.1
http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123241698-3.jpg
http://screenshot.xfire.com/s/123242601-3.jpg

[Dignan]

I agree that everything in this mod looks great. I especially like how you've toned down the water colors and kept the cloudy underwater look. My only complaint, just like Hylander, is that the fog is a bit too much. Would it be possible to make a version that matches the fog settings in TMO and one standalone for those who like your new fog settings?

[Caustic]

I agree that everything in this mod looks great. I especially like how you've toned down the water colors and kept the cloudy underwater look. My only complaint, just like Hylander, is that the fog is a bit too much. Would it be possible to make a version that matches the fog settings in TMO and one standalone for those who like your new fog settings?
I'd rather make one version with intermediate fog settings, a mixture of both per se. When you mention fog, you mean surface fog? Just to clarify...
I was testing the fog effects earlier and it's possible to see the silhouettes of ships from long distances but if the time of day is perfect, the fog looks less transparent.

[Hylander_1314]

Thank you Caustic! I can understand your point about just having one mod.

I asked, because this is what Ducimus has on his TMO page first post,

COMPATIBILITY:

Quote:
Trigger Maru is not compatible with any large modpack, to include enviromental mods.

The reason for envirornmental mod incompatability, has to do with how he has the sensors set for ships, subs, and aircraft.

So I'm guessing, you would have to compare files, and then change the settings in your files to corelate with TMO's settings.

If you get a chance to contrast and compare, and wish to, I would use it for sure! Just to mx things up a bit from the same old, same old.

[Caustic]

Thank you Caustic! I can understand your point about just having one mod.

I asked, because this is what Ducimus has on his TMO page first post,

COMPATIBILITY:

Quote:
Trigger Maru is not compatible with any large modpack, to include enviromental mods.

The reason for envirornmental mod incompatability, has to do with how he has the sensors set for ships, subs, and aircraft.

So I'm guessing, you would have to compare files, and then change the settings in your files to corelate with TMO's settings.

If you get a chance to contrast and compare, and wish to, I would use it for sure! Just to mx things up a bit from the same old, same old.
I know that this mod is compatible with TMO and RFB because it only changes the scene.dat and a few shaders and textures. Try it out at least, the only way to know if there are issues is if someone extensively tests the mod. You will know immediately if the AI sensors are messed up. Sorry to sound harsh but this mod is not designed to be used with TMO so don't expect me to take the time to ensure it is 100% compatible.

[Hylander_1314]

That's cool. Yes I did use it, and just am used to what TMO offers is all.

[Caustic]

That's cool. Yes I did use it, and just am used to what TMO offers is all.
This next version will be better than the TMO environment. Fog improvements on the way aswell.

:arrgh!:

[Hitman]

I know that this mod is compatible with TMO and RFB because it only changes the scene.dat and a few shaders and textures.

Sadly things are not as easy as that ...

The sensors work in part with the amount of environmental light that the game renders each moment (Specially at night, as mods with pitch black nights require much more sensitive settings to prevent the crew from being "blind"), so making an environment with different light/contrast, etc levels will indeed affect the visual sensors, making them either see better or worser.

[Caustic]

Sadly things are not as easy as that ...

The sensors work in part with the amount of environmental light that the game renders each moment (Specially at night, as mods with pitch black nights require much more sensitive settings to prevent the crew from being "blind"), so making an environment with different light/contrast, etc levels will indeed affect the visual sensors, making them either see better or worser.
We will need to see how nominal the effects are in-game, this mod will work with the stock game and RSRDC for sure as these mods rely on stock lighting conditions, which are featured in the mod.

[Dignan]

I'd rather make one version with intermediate fog settings, a mixture of both per se. When you mention fog, you mean surface fog? Just to clarify...
I was testing the fog effects earlier and it's possible to see the silhouettes of ships from long distances but if the time of day is perfect, the fog looks less transparent.

Sorry, yes I meant surface fog.

[Hitman]

this mod will work with the stock game and RSRDC for sure as these mods rely on stock lighting conditions, which are featured in the mod.

That's correct, any install that had not customized sensors (Unlike TMO, RFB, FOTRS, etc) will be perfect for your mod. :up:

[Caustic]

That's correct, any install that had not customized sensors (Unlike TMO, RFB, FOTRS, etc) will be perfect for your mod. :up:
I'm still not ready to say it's incompatible with the supermods until someone reports serious problems.

:)

[Hylander_1314]

That's why I was asking if you were going to make a supermod campatable version. The fog setting have my deck crew blind as bats day or night unless it's absolutely clear.

Sucks to hear vessels in light haze / fog, and not be able to engage them because you can't see them.

That's what Hitman is pointing out. The sensors for the different supermods, modify how the crews from ships and planes see things. If you stray from their settings, if snafu's the efforts of the modders.

The only thing I can say, is compare your settings to that of the supermods, and make adjustments accordingly, or really, the only ones who will be able to enjoy it are those who strictly play stock, which I haven't done in over 5 years now.

Anyways, I still like your colors and other tweaks, even if it's just for a change of pace.

[Caustic]

That's why I was asking if you were going to make a supermod campatable version. The fog setting have my deck crew blind as bats day or night unless it's absolutely clear.

Sucks to hear vessels in light haze / fog, and not be able to engage them because you can't see them.

That's what Hitman is pointing out. The sensors for the different supermods, modify how the crews from ships and planes see things. If you stray from their settings, if snafu's the efforts of the modders.

The only thing I can say, is compare your settings to that of the supermods, and make adjustments accordingly, or really, the only ones who will be able to enjoy it are those who strictly play stock, which I haven't done in over 5 years now.

Anyways, I still like your colors and other tweaks, even if it's just for a change of pace.
Stock can be modded alike, the game is especially decent when using RSRDC(As is TMO+RSRDC) among other things but now i'm going off-topic. TMO is alright but it was more enjoyable back in the day, for some reason...mabye it just got old. As for the mod, i'm too lazy and don't want to modify ship files so I'll probably just exclude the supermod people from the next release. Perhaps simply fixing the fog will go a long way in relieving the problem. If someone can point me in the right direction, specifying the settings of TMO and I'll start working on correcting the fog.

[Admiral Von Gerlach]

I like your tweaks a lot, i have not been comfortable with many of the other mods as the ocean and sky have become very vivid and unrealistic looking often, yours is very nice, and natural thanks for the effort and for sharing it with us. As an old sailorman myself, i like to see the sea as she is or was in my memory.

[Dignan]

A quick fix to use most of this mod with TMO or RFB would be to remove the scene.dat file from the mod. I think then, you are only changing colors, textures and cloud patterns. It leaves fog and spotting distances untouched. Someone correct me on that if I'm mistaken.

[Caustic]

A quick fix to use most of this mod with TMO or RFB would be to remove the scene.dat file from the mod. I think then, you are only changing colors, textures and cloud patterns. It leaves fog and spotting distances untouched. Someone correct me on that if I'm mistaken.
Good point, I might just make multiple versions of the mod; seems to be the best course of action...

[maxswain]

Very sweet Mod! It fixed that bright blue in TMO and that was a real drag. Thank you for this great work!

[Caustic]

Final results of my work on the TMO version of the mod.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg515/scaled.php?server=515&filename=sh4wotp20120516103606.png&res=landing

Improved stock environment should be 100% compatible with TMO and RFB now as I have decided to use the scene.dat files in these respective mods, while modifying the ocean and sky colors. The AI should react as you'd expect in stock TMO. The stock version of this mod for (SH4 1.5) will include a complete overhaul of the environment from textures, shaders, sounds, etc. The TMO version also includes custom sounds.

[fitzcarraldo]

Final results of my work on the TMO version of the mod.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg515/scaled.php?server=515&filename=sh4wotp20120516103606.png&res=landing

Improved stock environment should be 100% compatible with TMO and RFB now as I have decided to use the scene.dat files in these respective mods, while modifying the ocean and sky colors. The AI should react as you'd expect in stock TMO. The stock version of this mod for (SH4 1.5) will include a complete overhaul of the environment from textures, shaders, sounds, etc. The TMO version also includes custom sounds.

Great news! When could you post the links for the mod?

Many thanks for this nice job!

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[Caustic]

Great news! When could you post the links for the mod?

Many thanks for this nice job!

Fitzcarraldo :salute:
When i'm done testing and such, working towards a full release tommorow. Some things involving lighting still bother me, particularly during the night.

I'm happy you are pleased with the results!

[iambecomelife]

I downloaded the latest version & I was very happy with the more muted ocean colors, along with the wave patterns. The water's light absorption is far superior to stock SH4 reflectiveness, which reminded me of the
T-1000's liquid metal from "Terminator 2". :rotfl2:In my opinion the mod's suitable for the Atlantic as well as the Pacific & I would love to use it in "Wolves of the Kaiser" with permission, when you're done tweaking.

[Hylander_1314]

Final results of my work on the TMO version of the mod.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg515/scaled.php?server=515&filename=sh4wotp20120516103606.png&res=landing

Improved stock environment should be 100% compatible with TMO and RFB now as I have decided to use the scene.dat files in these respective mods, while modifying the ocean and sky colors. The AI should react as you'd expect in stock TMO. The stock version of this mod for (SH4 1.5) will include a complete overhaul of the environment from textures, shaders, sounds, etc. The TMO version also includes custom sounds.

Wow! That's really lookin' good there Caustic!

Just outta curiosity, and maybe you know what controls the sunlight refelction on the water, but I would like to tweak it so it looks more like when I take my boat out fishing. On clear or very little cloud days, the sunlight reflection is such, that if you don't wear sunglasses, within an hour, you will have a pounding headache. Which is why I have about 6 pairs of polarized sunglasses in the dash panel compartment. From very dark almost black, to amber type shooting glasses.

Anyways, what I was wondering about, is reproducing thiese kinds of reflections of the sun off the water:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Conrad_B/k05702.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Conrad_B/k00555.jpg

Especially this one! That sunlight is blinding! I see it like that all too often!

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Conrad_B/k00435.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Conrad_B/k00413.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Conrad_B/k00109.jpg

Again, I don't know if this can be mimicked or not, but the sunlight reflection has always seemed weak compared to being out on the water myself.

I'ld like to do it myself, even if for just personal use, but I don't what controls that part of it.

And thankyou for taking the supermods into consideration! That's cool man!:up:

[iambecomelife]

Is there any chance of a version specially designed for the North Atlantic? Although, as I mentioned earlier, the current version is a good enough stand-in for most seas. Just had to ask!

Thanks.

[Bubblehead1980]

nice work! Okay to use with TMO AND RSRD?

[Caustic]

Wow! That's really lookin' good there Caustic!

Just outta curiosity, and maybe you know what controls the sunlight refelction on the water, but I would like to tweak it so it looks more like when I take my boat out fishing. On clear or very little cloud days, the sunlight reflection is such, that if you don't wear sunglasses, within an hour, you will have a pounding headache. Which is why I have about 6 pairs of polarized sunglasses in the dash panel compartment. From very dark almost black, to amber type shooting glasses.

Anyways, what I was wondering about, is reproducing thiese kinds of reflections of the sun off the water:

Again, I don't know if this can be mimicked or not, but the sunlight reflection has always seemed weak compared to being out on the water myself.

I'ld like to do it myself, even if for just personal use, but I don't what controls that part of it.

And thankyou for taking the supermods into consideration! That's cool man!:up:
It's possible to create similar reflections but I would need to edit the scene.dat file in TMO and I don't know if Ducimus would like that. What you see in terms of reflections is what TMO has by default, I only edited the env files which involve lighting and colors.

[Caustic]

nice work! Okay to use with TMO AND RSRD?
RSRD does not change the environment so Improved Stock Environment is compatible with it in all situations.

[Caustic]

Is there any chance of a version specially designed for the North Atlantic? Although, as I mentioned earlier, the current version is a good enough stand-in for most seas. Just had to ask!

Thanks.
The TMO version of the mod cannot generate such an appearence that could not be easily exported, it relies on TMO shaders and textures, which I did not overwrite with my own, for fear of bugs and issues that might arise.

[Hylander_1314]

Thanks Caustic! I was just curious is all.

[virtualpender]

Can't wait for the release!!! Looks awesome.

[fitzcarraldo]

Can't wait for the release!!! Looks awesome.

+ 1....Waiting!!!!

Best regards.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[Caustic]

Version 3 is released! OP has been updated with information and screenshots, here is the changelog. Please note that you must now download the alternate version of Improved Stock Environment if you want to use it with TMO and RFB. Download links are provided in the OP, enjoy!

Improved Stock Environment(ISE) v3
by Caustic and Traveller (Clouds v1.1)
-----------------------------------------
-New textures for in-game effects(Fog,Smoke,fire,Explosions,Debris, and Seafoam)
-Enhanced sky and cloud textures
-New water textures
-Added realistic moon texture with new shader
-Improved ship wakes with high resolution textures
-Reduced the amount of underwater impurities for cleaner visibility
-Increased the amount of debris from destroy ships
-Added realistic environmental and sub sounds
-Greatly reduced the stock lightshafts for a more realistic appearence
-The sky is now visible from underwater
-Replaced stock terrain textures
-Modified env color file to provide more realistic night environments
-Reduced the size of underwater seaplants

[fitzcarraldo]

Version 3 is released! OP has been updated with information and screenshots, here is the changelog. Please note that you must now download the alternate version of Improved Stock Environment if you want to use it with TMO and RFB. Download links are provided in the OP, enjoy!

Improved Stock Environment(ISE) v3
by Caustic and Traveller (Clouds v1.1)
-----------------------------------------
-New textures for in-game effects(Fog,Smoke,fire,Explosions,Debris, and Seafoam)
-Enhanced sky and cloud textures
-New water textures
-Added realistic moon texture with new shader
-Improved ship wakes with high resolution textures
-Reduced the amount of underwater impurities for cleaner visibility
-Increased the amount of debris from destroy ships
-Added realistic environmental and sub sounds
-Greatly reduced the stock lightshafts for a more realistic appearence
-The sky is now visible from underwater
-Replaced stock terrain textures
-Modified env color file to provide more realistic night environments
-Reduced the size of underwater seaplants

thaaaaanks!!!! Downloading now and testing. It seems awesome!

Best regards!

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[maxswain]

:yeah: TMO has never looked so good! Was playing SH5 but have returned to the red meat of TMO thanks to Caustic! :arrgh!: Cheers Mate:up:

[Caustic]

:yeah: TMO has never looked so good! Was playing SH5 but have returned to the red meat of TMO thanks to Caustic! :arrgh!: Cheers Mate:up:
I know what you mean, can't stand the TMO environment; looks nothing like the pacific and gives off more of a Silent Hunter 3 atmosphere.

[Soviet Creeper]

Got a problem over here

Im using RFB + RSRDC and a few other non sound related trinkets, but when I enable your mod the sounds dont work. I just have the sounds from RFB. The graphics work fine thankfully, but I really like the sounds and want to hear them. Any help would be great

[Armistead]

Got a problem over here

Im using RFB + RSRDC and a few other non sound related trinkets, but when I enable your mod the sounds dont work. I just have the sounds from RFB. The graphics work fine thankfully, but I really like the sounds and want to hear them. Any help would be great

His mod said he reworked some sounds, so his are overwriting the sounds of RFB. You can open the sound file in RFB and play them and see which ones you like and copy and paste them over his mod or just make a small mod using correct paths and past all the sound files in it from RFB and run it over his mod.

[Soviet Creeper]

No, I want his sounds to work. Right now they are overwriting RFBs, but I still get the RFB sounds somehow. I even tried placing his sounds over RFBs, but I still got RFB sounds. Not sure how this is possible :hmmm:

[Armistead]

A quick fix to use most of this mod with TMO or RFB would be to remove the scene.dat file from the mod. I think then, you are only changing colors, textures and cloud patterns. It leaves fog and spotting distances untouched. Someone correct me on that if I'm mistaken.

I intermix files all the time from all the env mods and tweak them. Not sure what changes he's made to the scene dat that would effect his env. files, so it could change the look. They're several intensity values in scene that alter colors in the env. file.

I know people say that scene dat changes effect visuals, but I swear I have ripped them apart and the only two possible things that may have effect are playing with fog and light. I just don't see it doing much.
I've played with numerous setups with TMO, I can't tell much difference to sensor/env connection other than mentioned.

[Armistead]

Caustic,

Have you figured anyway to get more sunset/rise patterns. Be nice if the look would change a lil from time to time.

I have several sunsets that I've modded, be nice if you could rotate them.

[Caustic]

Caustic,

Have you figured anyway to get more sunset/rise patterns. Be nice if the look would change a lil from time to time.

I have several sunsets that I've modded, be nice if you could rotate them.
This is definitely something to consider but may be beyond my expertise or limited by the game engine. I know that the game uses three different env color files. For Atl, Med, and Arctic respectively. Each one contains different lighting paramters but it's self-contained and cannot be rotated from what I can tell.

[Hylander_1314]

Thanks Caustic for all your efforts with this!

Got GFO running and it looks great!

[ricven]

Well, I have to say, normally I just lurk here and see whats happening but this time I just have to post my second post.

Epic work Caustic!, you just brought me back to sh4 with the mods i used to run with it. Guess now I get to reinstall sh4+uboat and mods and start playing with this very very nice enviroment. Thank you for all your hard work bringing this to us and thank you for bringing me back to sh4, maybe this will teach me to keep it installed lol.

[Dogfish40]

Downloading, I can't wait.
I want to play some pacific action as my old AI crew misses me, (they sent me an e-mail) :ping:.
This looks great!
D40 :up:

[kiwi_2005]

Wow! Another mod i missed. Downloading. :up:

[Caustic]

I have decided to revisit this mod because i'm not happy with some of the ocean colors and believe they can be improved upon. Particularly at night the sky needs more work as it does not match the ambient environment. I'll most likely just release a quick fix with new colors. I'm also working on new clouds.

It seems everyone enjoied version 3 of Improved Stock Environment, so I won't do a complete overhaul of the mod.

:up:

[Webster]

at obnly 95mb i suggest its better to just replace the old version with a new v3.1

les confusion and simpler for those using multiple mods

[Armistead]

I'll have to give your mod a look see, from the SS's looks pretty good. In many ways it looks a lot like changes I've made, guess the blue of TMO was too much for you.

Anyway, be interesting to see what you do, I assume you're adjusting sensors with it or just playing with colors?

I still can't find the perfect clouds and I've tried several, including my own, so can't wait to see what you come up with. I can't decide if I like more blurred hazy clouds or sharper. I'll post a few SS's of some I've been playing with in SS tread so I don't hijack you.

I may pose some questions to you PM about shaders and filters.

[Caustic]

I'll have to give your mod a look see, from the SS's looks pretty good. In many ways it looks a lot like changes I've made, guess the blue of TMO was too much for you.

Anyway, be interesting to see what you do, I assume you're adjusting sensors with it or just playing with colors?

I still can't find the perfect clouds and I've tried several, including my own, so can't wait to see what you come up with. I can't decide if I like more blurred hazy clouds or sharper. I'll post a few SS's of some I've been playing with in SS tread so I don't hijack you.

I may pose some questions to you PM about shaders and filters.
Indeed, the whole purpose of my environmental mod was to have an alternative to overly saturated and Atlantic-esque TMO and Real Environments. About the clouds, they are tricky and annoying; even the developers of the game could not get it right.

Feel free to hit me up, can't wait to see more of your work because you know how much I appreciate it.

:)

[Caustic]

Somewhat lost in the fog right now, does anyone know what parameter controls the amount and luminosity of the stars at night?

[Armistead]

Somewhat lost in the fog right now, does anyone know what parameter controls the amount and luminosity of the stars at night?

Gonna make the milky way, great idea. Seen where you can do it for the moon, but not stars, but interesting concept. Maybe open the texture up and edit with gimp or paint for lum..

I want the milky way.....

[Caustic]

Gonna make the milky way, great idea. Seen where you can do it for the moon, but not stars, but interesting concept. Maybe open the texture up and edit with gimp or paint for lum..

I want the milky way.....
:ping:

Cannot even find the texture file for the star map, where is it? Sky_pac.tga and reflex.tga are not related to it so I don't know where else to look. Mabye it's a shader? This game can be annoying sometimes.

:/\\!!

[Hylander_1314]

I think the stars are individually drawn, just from snooping around the files, and folders for sh4.

[Caustic]

I think the stars are individually drawn, just from snooping around the files, and folders for sh4.
There are ways to reduce the impact from the obnoxious stars in the game through fog and visibility changes, i'll probably go that route.

[Caustic]

I'm finally finished refining everything I didn't like about Improved Stock Environment 3. Mostly changes to the colors but also touched the clouds and wave mechanics. These changes are available through two optional add-ons that should be installed after Improved Stock Environment v3, enjoy! Here are some screenshots of the mods in-game, the screenshots show the new clouds and realistic colors together.

#1 ISE New Clouds+Waves/#2 ISE Realistic Colors

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/8318/sh4img20120808083555645.png

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/6004/sh4img20120808082926868.png

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/7269/sh4img20120808083425986.png

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9624/sh4img20120808094150978.png

JSGME Compatible, installation instructions included. #2 ISE Realistic Colors is compatible with TMO and RFB.

Download
#1 ISE New Clouds+Waves (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7c5dmlw2w4xqxdp)
#2 ISE Realistic Colors (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?8c48d5jptc7envq)

These changes are pretty significant and I could of released another version of ISE but I believe that some people may enjoy the original colors in version 3. Having optional mods gives you more freedom and customization.

[Dignan]

Can't wait to check it out. Although I always get a bit nervous when I see a mod with the scene.dat file modified. I worry about spotting distances being messed with. I'm using the TMO compatible version of your ISE mod so your latest update will overwrite the scene.dat file. Is it compatible with TMO?

[Caustic]

Can't wait to check it out. Although I always get a bit nervous when I see a mod with the scene.dat file modified. I worry about spotting distances being messed with. I'm using the TMO compatible version of your ISE mod so your latest update will overwrite the scene.dat file. Is it compatible with TMO?
Only ISE Realistic Colors is compatible with TMO and RFB, which does not change the scene.dat file.

[Dignan]

Only ISE Realistic Colors is compatible with TMO and RFB, which does not change the scene.dat file.

ok, thanks. So if we are using TMO or RFB we shouldn't use the wave/cloud addon?

[Caustic]

ok, thanks. So if we are using TMO or RFB we shouldn't use the wave/cloud addon?
Indeed

[Flybywire]

I am using TMO + RSRD and your Improved Stock Enviorment for TMO and now added after those your 2 latest addons. It all works fine. Am I not supposed to use the clouds + waves latest addon?:hmmm:

[Caustic]

I am using TMO + RSRD and your Improved Stock Enviorment for TMO and now added after those your 2 latest addons. It all works fine. Am I not supposed to use the clouds + waves latest addon?:hmmm:

I don't know, it's not guaranteed to work; at the very least it changes your gameplay experience. New Clouds+Waves was only designed to be used with the original version of Improved Stock Environment

[Dogfish40]

Hi Caustic,
This looks great and I'm waiting to load it up, but I use GFO right now and there are a lot of files that pop-up in JSGME from GFO when I go to activate Environments 3.
Are they compatable??... (He asked hopefully)...
D40

[Caustic]

Hi Caustic,
This looks great and I'm waiting to load it up, but I use GFO right now and there are a lot of files that pop-up in JSGME from GFO when I go to activate Environments 3.
Are they compatable??... (He asked hopefully)...
D40
Since GFO is closely related to SH4 v1.5, I think Improved Stock Environment will work with it. You should overwrite the GFO environment if you want to use my mod. Also, GFO primarily changes the gameplay mechanics and the modifications to the environment are very minor.

[0rpheus]

Just wanted to say - I've just started using this, it's some great work! Thanks for putting it up for download :up::salute:

[Dogfish40]

Since GFO is closely related to SH4 v1.5, I think Improved Stock Environment will work with it. You should overwrite the GFO environment if you want to use my mod. Also, GFO primarily changes the gameplay mechanics and the modifications to the environment are very minor.

Yes, I just ran the game last night and played both ways (GFO activated first and Vis versa) and there were no real problems. They share more files than I thought they would so I'll have to look into those over the next couple days to see which order I would keep the mods in. I have to say that the ISE looks great so far, I just started a new campaign solely for this mod and I can't wait for the first storm ect. I know just how difficult it is to create a really good looking Environment mod for SH4 (or any of them for that matter) because there are so few.
Anyway, Great Job Caustic. I can't wait to get home tonight to see some more.
:up::up::up:
D40

[ryanwigginton]

First time I've come across this mod. Really nice work Caustic. Any chance we'll see the optional mods packaged for TMO?

@Flybywire are you still using the optional mods with TMO? Did you come across any problems?

[LtzS_Petersen]

It works with GFO, nice. I give it a try. :up:

[SkyBaron]

Awesome work Caustic! Love the colors and new water animation. This mod got me back to playing SH4! :)

[Dogfish40]

Ahoy Caustic.
I really love the mod. I'm using it at the moment and there are so many good things about it I can't list'em all here.
However...One little observation. I don't see any sea foam. Especially when the water is a bit calm, it looks like I'm on a fresh water lake. Could you add some?
I have three of the files loaded, could it be that I only need the latest file installed?
Anyway, please come back with some thoughts about this, I really like the rest of what I see here.
Cheers mate.
D40 :up:

[Encrusted_Garlic]

I really like this one a lot..... seems more natural and imersive then anything else I have used. Good work!

[BigWalleye]

"More immersive" is high praise for a submarine sim!

[Encrusted_Garlic]

"More immersive" is high praise for a submarine sim!

yes sir.... and cudos to you for spelling it correctly, which i didnt....

[Dogfish40]

Hi Caustic,
I'm using V3. Should I be using this as a stand alone. In short, does V3 incorperate the add on folders like "New clouds & Waves" ect??
Orrrr...Do I need to add these in as needed?
Thanks
D40:D:hmmm::06:

[Caustic]

Hi Caustic,
I'm using V3. Should I be using this as a stand alone. In short, does V3 incorperate the add on folders like "New clouds & Waves" ect??
Orrrr...Do I need to add these in as needed?
Thanks
D40:D:hmmm::06:
New Clouds and Colors are addons for version 3 and should be installed after you install the main mod.

[Caustic]

Ahoy Caustic.
I really love the mod. I'm using it at the moment and there are so many good things about it I can't list'em all here.
However...One little observation. I don't see any sea foam. Especially when the water is a bit calm, it looks like I'm on a fresh water lake. Could you add some?
I have three of the files loaded, could it be that I only need the latest file installed?
Anyway, please come back with some thoughts about this, I really like the rest of what I see here.
Cheers mate.
D40 :up:
I believe this glassy effect is caused by the water shaders that are used in ISE. You can use the stock water shaders by removing the file in Improved Stock Environment v3 -> data/shaders/water/WaterFoam.ps. Let me know if this fixes your problem. You only need to use one version of Improved Stock Environment.

:up:

[fitzcarraldo]

I believe this glassy effect is caused by the water shaders that are used in ISE. You can use the stock water shaders by removing the file in Improved Stock Environment v3 -> data/shaders/water/WaterFoam.ps. Let me know if this fixes your problem. You only need to use one version of Improved Stock Environment.

:up:

For me, the sea foam in SH3 and SH4 appears when the wind is a little high, it´s a caractheristic of the games. I use ISE with the optionals over TMO 25 and it looks very pretty.

If it´s possible to add some foam in calm water...but I think it´s hard coded in SH4.

Regards.

Fitzcarraldo :up:

[neilbyrne]

I just found this mod as a result of a ?? in another thread asking folks what mods they're running.

Just loaded it in and all the folks who say it changes the whole experience are right. Great work. :yeah:

Or as we say in the navy, Bravo Zulu.

[bybyx]

Can I use this with TMO 2.5, RSRD and OTC?

[fitzcarraldo]

Yes mate, you can use this mod.

Regards.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[Sniper297]

I just recently discovered this mod, and concur it is a work of art. :salute:

One possible flaw I'm trying to chase down - fog and haze. Realistic, but is it overdone? Three Asiatic patrols and it seems like it's foggy all the time, and playing with manual targeting and no map contacts is near impossible - for IFF you have to confirm it's not an allied ship before sinking it, and in too many cases I have to get within 300 yards before I can identify what flag it's flying.

What I'd like to do is tweak that a bit, make the visibility minimum closer to 1000 yards rather than 200, and make really dense fog happen less often. Only file I can find that might affect that is data\Shaders\Clouds\CloudsVS.fx and that one appears to be identical to stock. Scene.dat has a diffuse color and specular lighting numbers, but no other data which would affect frequency or density that I can find. Anyone know how to thin out the fog/haze and get a higher percentage of clear visibility?

[depthtok33l]

Anyone know if this is compatible with Traveler's Mod?

[HertogJan]

in short...

Yes I do and no its not.

Traveler Mod changed so much in those files it 'll messup his intent


Edit:

Long version...
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=210571

[bybyx]

Could i use safely only the ISE Realistic Colours mod without using the main mod?:salute:

[Armistead]

Anyone know if this is compatible with Traveler's Mod?

I never like the env in Travs mod, mainly night, which he tuned for closer surface attacks. I also don't like the almost solid cloud shaders. Not sure what all files ISE does, but I never had a problem just making a copy of TMO's env, cloud shaders and scene dat as a mod to run over it. I also use my own env over it, which is basically TMO, just killed the blue and changed water color and made my own night env for closer surface attacks..

[fitzcarraldo]

Could you pulblish your environment mod? Or instructions for it? Really I don´t like the intense blue of TMO 25 env. For now, I use FOTRS v13 enviro in my installation.

Many thanks and regards.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[Havan_IronOak]

I'm using (and pretty much loving) version 2 but I seem to get an awful lot of days with what weather conditions report as light fog. Light fog is thick enough that I can't lock on big merchant ships like Liberty ships at 1000 meters when they're right in front of me. Course they can't see me either so my deck gun is getting a LOT of work.

Will version 3 be any different in this regard?
I'm not complaining per se because it's sort of giving me a way to practice manual targeting of torpedoes. Provided I rely on sound contacts for all my data and get an appropriate speed and range I CAN score successful hits by manually entering all the targeting data.

[Caustic]

Good to see this mod is going strong. I'm not sure what I changed along the way but I can't seem to find the setting that controls weathers and what not.

I have decided to recompile the mod in a different way. It seems something I borrowed from Real Environment Mod has been causing the foggy weahter. This new version is being bug-tested and is WIP.
You can always use the Realistic Colors or TMO/RFB compatible module by itself, this will provide you with a different atmosphere without changing the sea dynamics and weather.

The next version will be more comprehensive and will include various textures for land and sky along with the now-ancient updated fire effects/oil that are included in TMO and RFB for use in Stock SH4 1.5. Over the years, I have steadily moved away from mega-mods due to the lack of customization. Now the player has the choice of just having a better environment and nothing more. I run this mod all the time for personal use. It's quite immersive and the color palette is based on the vanilla atmosphere, which is really the only one that looks good in the engine. In my opinion, in contrast to the bright blue of TMO and Real Environment Mod. You will also have the ability to toggle the grain filter as I found that it improves the atmosphere of the ISE color palette. All prior mods have removed this for various reasons.

As well, there will be a total conversion mod for TMO/RFB/etc that brings the full experience of ISE to that user-base. I run ISE+Post-Process with GFO/RSRDC and this is what I recommend for the ideal experience in SH4 for the casual player.

Take care
:)

[Webster]

New Moon Texture
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9416/moona.jpg



I just feel the need to comment on the moon phases (not sure if it was already mentioned anywhere before) but ...

the moon phases should look like this if you want it to look accurate and realistic: http://ganymede.nmsu.edu/tharriso/ast110/Moon_phases.jpg

[Aktungbby]

I just feel the need to comment on the moon phases (not sure if it was already mentioned anywhere before) but ...

the moon phases should look like this if you want it to look accurate and realistic: http://ganymede.nmsu.edu/tharriso/ast110/Moon_phases.jpg

Wait wha.... ya mean we went fer nuthin?? Great post!:up: http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/008/cache/buzz-aldrin-moon_856_600x450.jpghttp://ganymede.nmsu.edu/tharriso/ast110/Moon_phases.jpg

[Caustic]

Per request, for Armistead. He wanted realistic Pacific reflections. Screenshot taken during mid-morning, sunsets are even more spectacular. No post-process or image filter.

http://i.imgur.com/pwCTv8U.jpg

[Jax von May]

OM (720 with patch)
From OMEGU, take Med Env
Then this one, +ISE 1and 2

it works


Improved Stock Environment v3

Changes the water and sky mechanics of the stock environment to create a more realistic ocean environment that respects the original atmosphere of the game(SH 1.4/1.5). JSGME compatible. Scene.dat file modified from Real Environment Mod. ISE is compatible with TMO and RFB, just ensure that ISE is installed after your mod of choice. Improved Stock Environment is compatible with RSRDC.

As of version 3, the mod is officially compatible with TMO and RFB, just make sure to download the appropriate version.

Improved Stock Environment(ISE) v3
by Caustic and Traveller (Clouds v1.1)
-----------------------------------------
-New textures for in-game effects(Fog,Smoke,fire,Explosions,Debris, and Seafoam)
-Enhanced sky and cloud textures
-New water textures
-Added realistic moon texture with new shader
-Improved ship wakes with high resolution textures
-Reduced the amount of underwater impurities for cleaner visibility
-Increased the amount of debris from destroyed ships
-Added realistic environmental and sub sounds
-Greatly reduced the stock lightshafts for a more realistic appearence
-The sky is now visible from underwater
-Replaced stock terrain textures
-Modified env color file to provide more realistic night environments
-Reduced the size of underwater seaplants

Installation

-Extract to Generic Mod Enabler folder
or C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Silent Hunters Wolves of the Pacific\Data

New Moon Texture
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9416/moona.jpg

Screenshots
-----------------------------------------------------
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg37/scaled.php?server=37&filename=sh4wotp20120518131723.png&res=landinghttp://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg840/scaled.php?server=840&filename=sh4wotp20120516111855.png&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg444/scaled.php?server=444&filename=sh4wotp20120516112021.png&res=landinghttp://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg221/scaled.php?server=221&filename=sh4wotp20120518131214.png&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg577/scaled.php?server=577&filename=sh4wotp20120518131538.png&res=landing

TMO + Improved Stock Environment
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg28/scaled.php?server=28&filename=sh4wotp20120516100651.png&res=landing

Download Links

Improved Stock Environment v3 (http://www.mediafire.com/?qg1alcolb9hvnu2)
Improved Stock Environment v3 - TMO&RFB (http://www.mediafire.com/?o8hidd1ey11jek2)

This is most likely the final version of this mod. As usual, the thread is open for comments and such; I hope you enjoy what I feel is the best that SH4 can offer in terms of immersion and realism.

Optional Mods
#1 ISE New clouds+Waves (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7c5dmlw2w4xqxdp)
#2 ISE Realistic Colors (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?8c48d5jptc7envq)

These mods must be installed after Improved Stock Environment v3.

[Mike_Room]

Improved Stock Environment v3

Changes the water and sky mechanics of the stock environment to create a more realistic ocean environment that respects the original atmosphere of the game(SH 1.4/1.5). JSGME compatible. Scene.dat file modified from Real Environment Mod. ISE is compatible with TMO and RFB, just ensure that ISE is installed after your mod of choice. Improved Stock Environment is ....

Hi Caustic,

I've downloaded your mod and there are two questions.

1.) the waves are moving too fast, they are kind of dancing
2.) with the cameraview, I see in many angles a pattern

Can I resolve those issues?

please answer in simple english, because I'm not a natural speaker, thanks in advance

mfg
mike

[SSI01]

Greetings all.

I've installed ISE v3 plus the two enhancements into my SH4 V1.4, with OTC for 1.4. There is an immediate improvement in the quality of the graphics. I was in Hawaii from 1995-1999 and I can assure you Caustic has captured the deep cobalt blue of the sea around that island perfectly.

I have an issue with the water that I'm hoping I can clear up quickly and easily. I have my graphics set for high detail on the water and am getting what I can only describe as a grainy sparkle off the water and its reflection at close range - when one looks farther out it sort of blurs into a layer of graininess. I'm also getting some small "splotching" of various colors (reds, greens, blues) on the surface of the conning tower at close range, also on the deck gratings in the control room. Is there a way to filter this stuff out?

[bybyx]

Any news about the mod?

[Aktungbby]

:Kaleun_Salute:Mike_Room! A tad late: forgive our manners!

[Jimbuna]

Welcome to SubSim Mike :sunny:

[ReallyDedPoet]

Welcome Mike :sunny:

[fitzcarraldo]

Welcome to SUBSIM Mike!

I recommend you ISE v2 (not v3) with ISE realistic colours optional. In my TMO 25 with RSRDC it works fine. The final result depends on the supermod you use. ISE don't change all the parameters of the environments.

All the best.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[Soldier_dk]

Does ISE work with FotRS installed?

[Haukka81]

Any news?

Would be happy to get new version :)

[Webster]

Does ISE work with FotRS installed?

no you cant use other mods with FOTRS, it is designed with and includes its own campaign and environmental changes to be used as an all-in-one mod with nothing else added to it.

if a mod was specifically created to be used with FOTRS and modded the FOTRS file to do so, then you could use that mod with it.

[Mathiasx702]

after installing this, the game got REALY dark and i could not see ships until i was 50m away, my deckwatch could not even see them.

how to uninstall?

[Aktungbby]

Mathiasx702!:Kaleun_Salute:

[aanker]

after installing this, the game got REALY dark and i could not see ships until i was 50m away, my deckwatch could not even see them.

how to uninstall?
Welcome Aboard

Was it foggy?

Did you use the JSGME to install the mod? That is the best way to install mods, then if you don't like a mod, you can easily uninstall it with the JSGME.

I like this configuration recommended by Fitzcarraldo:

"Real Environment with ISE v2 (not v3) plus ISE realistic colors"

The transformation is amazing. I've sailed on the Pacific and THAT is the Pacific I know. I play heavily modded Stock 1.5

Happy Hunting!

----------------------------------
Real Environment mod:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1532 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads.php?do=file&id=1532)

Improved Stock Environment_v2 - Caustic (not v3 )
#2 ISE Realistic Colors - Caustic

[fitzcarraldo]

As told by Aanker use ISE v2 - not v3 - over Real Environment and after all Realistic colours. ISE v3 for TMO and RFB can cause foggy atmosphere under TMO or RFB. And ISE v3 is for stock or GFO. ISE v2 is better.

Regards.

Fitzcarraldo :salute:

[captcrane]

LMAO It's too freakin funny this post is here. I don't know whether to laugh or blow my brains out. I have been playing sh4 for about 2yrs now ( it took me that long to finish my 1st career). I had actually bought the game when it first came out but none of my computers were good enough to run it. Never mind at the time I had dialup so the downloading the first patch was loads of laughs. I had to reformat my computer but I was prepared shucks I had all my mods backed up. No worries. Locked and loaded my game. What happened to my water doesn't look right . It had been so long since I had fooled around (just means installing mod) I couldn't remember which one I had used. Luckily I had a list of mods (run my saved games on 2 diff computers) ISE is what I was using. Loaded that in and perfection. Totally AWESOME mod! I play sh4 Gold. All my mods are mostly eye candy. Bigger Protractors, Sofu Gan, Skins for the ships a few others. I had read that a lot of people were upset about the way the game ends no fireworks ect. I thought it was great. Front page in newspaper. And the game insult Even the biggest Rock in your crew knows the war is over why are you still patrolling! Thought it was hilarious! If anyone made it to the end of this post I do have one problem (chuckle) I have tried repeatedly to change the orders bar to the green lights always failed either using JGSME or manually installing. This site and its members are truly a standup act. People like me coding illiterates appreciate your hard work. Peace Out

[aanker]

Please pardon my off topic post to captcrane.

Yeah, I like the Green Lamp Hud too, and have it on my install.

This (not my picture - I stole it from jimimadrid a long time ago - shh - lol):

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/ptcbupers/greennq6_zpsbepikfii.jpg

I like jimimadrid's mods.

Topic:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=131878

I have the old version starting at 1.2 through 1.4, and this new 1.5 version. Sailor Steve uploaded the 1.5 to Subsim.

Mine only changes the color, I kept the Stock Hud buttons. They may have used MenuMaker on the above pic.

I cut it from 2048 to 1024 for illustration:
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/ptcbupers/HUD1_zpskcm04ats.jpg

Happy Hunting!

[TheUBoatGirl]

i give this great mod a try, but what i see first is too much (and for me endless) fog, 7 days the same foggy weather? hmmm... not so good. And what i dont like: my uboat marker (i am not the 100 % realistic freak) is not visible anymore... :doh: so for this 2 reasons i disabled the mod. Can some one tell me how to bring back my uboat marker? Thanks in advance!

[Moonlight]

Uninstall the mod first and delete a file called UMark, its in this location in my game,
Ubisoft\Silent Hunter Wolves of the Pacific\Data\Misc
reinstall the mod, job done.

[fitzcarraldo]

i give this great mod a try, but what i see first is too much (and for me endless) fog, 7 days the same foggy weather? hmmm... not so good. And what i dont like: my uboat marker (i am not the 100 % realistic freak) is not visible anymore... :doh: so for this 2 reasons i disabled the mod. Can some one tell me how to bring back my uboat marker? Thanks in advance!

In TMO I used a mix: first Real Environment, Two: ISE v2 for stock (not v3 for TMO). Three: ISE Realistic colours. It was my best environment for TMO. Now I playing FOTRSU and it has a really candy enviro.

Regards.

Fitzcarraldo

[BBwalk]

Can someone upload ISE v2? Seems only v1 and v3 are available here.

[KaleunMarco]

Can someone upload ISE v2? Seems only v1 and v3 are available here.

it was on page 1 of this thread.

https://www.mediafire.com/?4houmfy6pyfrk64

[BBwalk]

Thanks, I only looked at the first post which had been updated to v3. :k_confused: