Mafia II, likely most important GPU PhysX title for this year, was released just a few days ago, and as usuall we have prepared some PhysX comparison materials.
This particular video is focused on how APEX Clothing module is used the enhance game experience.
Update: Part II, dedicated to APEX Particles effects, is released.
Update #2: APEX Clothing in numbers
In general, APEX Clothing content includes:
- Much more detailed (you can even notice how wrinkles are formed), fully simulated clothing for main character – Vito Scaletta.
Standart PhysX Cloth is still being used on consoles and PC (APEX Off settings), but in comparison to APEX Clothing based simulation (APEX High and Medium settings), it is looking chunky and crusty.
- Dynamic clothing for additional characters (Joe, Derek, Steve, etc) and some NPCs, instead of simple skinned mesh.
- Several supplementary effects, like cloth reaction to the wind and shockwaves from explosions.
Sum: High-resolution clothing simulation is nice looking, immersive and promising technology. However, in Mafia II resources are used not optimally – hardly noticable, but very demanding clothing simulation on NPCs can bring your system to knees.
Fortunately, PhysX tweaks discovered for Mafia II demo are working nicely in final version too. Following this guide, you can easily tweak amount of APEX Effects (for example, disable clothing simulation for NPC, but leave it for Vito) and find a compromis between visual fidelity and performance.
Also, keep an eye on Mafia II GPU PhysX info mini-site for additional information and comparison screenshots.