With Mafia 2 coming closer to it’s release, hype atmosphere is getting hotter, and apart from other materials you can find on the web, PC Games Hardware has published decent interview with Denby Grace from 2K Czech on several Mafia’s engine features, and PhysX part specifically:

PC Games Hardware: Are there any differences between the Console and the PC Version of Mafia 2 as far as technical as well as visual aspects are concerned, for example GPU accelerated PhysX effects?

Denby Grace: You hit the nail on the head. The biggest difference is the GPU enabled physics effects. While on a system without GPU (consoles and ATI cards), the game will have a great PhysX simulation with particles and cloth, however, if you have the extra hardware we are able to push things to a whole new level which has not yet been seen in open world game before.

Our destructible environments feature thousands of physical particles which in turn can be affected by individual explosion force fields to make them move. It’s all very impressive and it’s these kinds of improvements that high end PC gamers can expect.

PC Games Hardware: We know you are using Nvidia’s PhysX API and also APEX moduls (“Clothing”). Besides PhysX support why did you decide to use Nvidia’s physics middleware instead of other physics libraries like Havok or ODE? What makes Nvidia’s SDK so suitable for your title?

Denby Grace: PhysX is a really scalable system, which is something that appealed to us. We get to integrate a base system that can be dialed up and down, dependant on what system specs the users have. We have a minimum benchmark frame rate that we want to see, then the PhysX simulation level will adjust itself based upon the type of hardware you have.

CPU vs GPU quite simply means that we can really push the boat out with that much dedicated horsepower without being concerned that it’s going to affect the performance of other areas, separating this out is certainly preferable. Going a step further is separating out the gfx from the physics with separate GPU’s (SLI configuration).

People without a GPU PhysX card will still have these effects but it won’t be quite as advanced. We were very careful in ensuring that this would not affect the game play experience, no matter what system you have. , Mafia II I think looks absolutely amazing even without the full PhysX.

PC Games Hardware: Does regular by CPU calculated physics affect visuals only or is it used for gameplay terms like enemies getting hit by shattered bits of blown-away walls and the like?

Denby Grace: No we don’t do this. We didn’t want to alienate a part of our user base with that sort of selective functionality.

Also, don’t forget to check several comparison PhysX screenshots, located at this technical review.

Besides, Gametrailers.com has uploaded an interview with Eric Liu, Nvidia content manager, covering PC version specific features, like 3DVision and GPU PhysX and APEX support.

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 or later) / Windows Vista / Windows 7
Processor: Pentium D 3Ghz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ (Dual core) or higher
RAM: 1.5 GB
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8600 / ATI HD2600 Pro or better
Hard Disc Space: 8 GB
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
Peripherals: Keyboard and mouse or Windows compatible gamepad

RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 or later) / Windows Vista / Windows 7
Processor: 2.4 GHz Quad Core processor
RAM: 2 GB
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX / ATI Radeon HD 3870 or better
Hard Disc: 10 GB
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 9.0c compliant card
Peripherals: Keyboard and mouse or Windows compatible gamepad

PHYSX/APEX ENHANCEMENTS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 or later) / Windows Vista / Windows 7
Minimum Processor: 2.4 GHz Quad Core processor
Recommended Processor: 2.66 GHz Core i7-920
RAM: 2 GB

Video Cards and resolution: APEX medium settings
Minimum: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260 (or better) for Graphics and a dedicated NVIDIA 9800GTX (or better) for PhysX
Recommended: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 (or better)

Video Cards and resolution: APEX High settings
Minimum: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 (or better) and a dedicated NVIDIA 9800GTX (or better) for PhysX
Recommended: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 for Graphics and a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 285 (or better) for PhysX

NVIDIA GPU driver: 197.13 or later.
NVIDIA PhysX driver: 10.04.02_9.10.0522. Included and automatically installed with the game.

In this particular case,  Jeff Wellington is making remake of classic Carmageddon 1 using XNA and PhysX SDK – alone, and has reached pretty remarkable results, as you may see from following video:

Core features like deformation and repair systems, opponent’s AI, paticle effects, nice tuned car physics are already implemented.

You can watch over Carmageddon XNA remake development process on Jeff’s blog – 1am  Studios.

]]> http://physxinfo.com/news/3367/physx-powered-carmageddon-xna-remake/feed/ 1 http://physxinfo.com/news/3096/mafia-ii-second-physx-trailer/ http://physxinfo.com/news/3096/mafia-ii-second-physx-trailer/#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 06:48:10 +0000 Zogrim http://physxinfo.com/news/?p=3096 We’ve already saw Mafia II and GPU PhysX related sneak-peek trailer previously, and now – second, more detailed trailer has arrived from Gamespot.

Update: Now in HD.

It is showcasing all extra PhysX content, mentioned in preview articles – various impact debris and chunks via APEX Particles module, APEX Clothing based cloth simulation on characters and shockwaves from explosions, repelling all physical objects in their blast radius.

Specifically, the PC version of Mafia II will take advantage of two different aspects of APEX technology. The first, the “clothing module,” will realistically model flowing clothes on what are designated as “primary characters.” In the case of Mafia II, this means Vito (the protagonist) and any other characters that happen to be up close to him will benefit from this module. The APEX clothing module realistically makes trench coats flap in the wind and sway while characters walk or run.

The second APEX module, the “destruction module,” models realistic damage and deformation on exploding objects, as well as the concussive force of a powerful explosion with an “invisible force field” that realistically sends any sufficiently light objects (or characters) flying. We watched a demonstration of this in action with an exploding car, which smashed nearby crates to bits and sent their splinters–and a nearby mobster–hurtling through the air.

It also offers Mafia II an enhanced particle system that creates discrete and unique, procedurally generated debris when you or other characters destroy any of the game’s deformable objects. The demonstration we watched was from the Wild Ones level we’ve covered previously–specifically, the part where Vito and his gangster buddies use tommy guns and Molotov cocktails to tear a rickety wooden diner to shreds. The scraps of wood and shards of glass realistically went flying with each explosion, and we’re told that no two play-throughs should produce the exact same scraps and shards.

While certain statement brings only more confusion, it’s unclear – is Mafia II really using APEX Destruction (in addition to Clothing and Particles modules) or it is just result of misinterpretation, this article is pretty interesting read in overall.

Moreover, material contains some new screenshots, showcasing particle effects in action.

Update: another preview from GameStar.de has brought us even more details:

- According to the article, PhysX content will have three levels – normal (physics like on consoles) and two enhanced with additional effects.

- Explosions will have forcefield based “shock wave”, repelling particles and objects in certain radius.

- On consoles only few main characters are able to “wear” physically simulated clothing, while with enabled GPU PhysX option clothing sim can be applied to much more characters – up to 30 (Police, NPCs, etc).

- If no Nvidia GPU is present, extra PhysX effects can be processed on CPU.

Update #2: few additions from Destructoid preview

As you’re shooting up the building, pieces of wood and glass will splinter onto the ground in a realistic manner. PhysX also powers Mafia II’s clothing and explosion systems, giving both a real-world look.

The PhysX tech will scale appropriately to your PC depending on what your rig can handle.

Update #3: another article by TG Daily

Mafia II is the first Windows PC game ever to utilize our Apex clothing module. Now, the use of PhysX and Apex technology – which includes the particle module – allows the city and personalities of Empire Bay to truly come alive.

For example, Apex causes clothing to behave realistically and its secondary motion(s) add a lot to a character’s actions. Indeed, even the subtle movements of a trench-coat can tip a player off about hidden firearms or other potentially dangerous objects and intentions.

Now in Mafia II, a pistol fired into a glass pane will emit hundreds of glass shards, while a shotgun blasted through a wooden landing will splinter the wood and a Tommy Gun will chip into a brick or stone wall to methodically fracture and break it into piece.

The integration of PhysX and NVIDIA APEX technology, including the APEX Clothing and Particle modules, enable the city and personalities of Empire Bay to truly come alive on Windows PC. The NVIDIA APEX Clothing module allows for more dynamic movement in clothing, making in-game characters even more realistic and reactive to environmental conditions.

With the implementation of NVIDIA APEX Particles, players are engulfed in lifelike explosions that are bigger and brighter, including weapon fragments, in-game debris and destructible environments that are amplified in both quantity and realism through the integration of APEX Particles. For example, a pistol fired into a glass pane will emit hundreds of glass shards; a shotgun blasted through a wooden landing will splinter the wood; and a Tommy Gun will chip into a brick or stone wall to methodically fracture and break it into pieces.

An addition to hardware accelerated PhysX content, PC version of Mafia II will feature 3D Vision support. Mafia II will be available in North America on August 24, 2010, and internationally on August 27, 2010.

P.S. We are pleased to see that APEX is finding it’s way to more and more games. In case you’re not familar with it, Nvidia APEX is physics effects creation and management system, build on top of PhysX SDK.

Idea behind APEX is simple -  it gives developers free tools to create complex physics content, like character clothing (bonus for developers), and has ability to scale such content through different platforms easily (read – add more details on PC, bonus for Nvidia). In theory – everybody wins. However, until APEX will be released to public (now it’s available for certains devs only), we won’t see if it works fully as intended.

If you want to take a more detailed view on hardware accelerated PhysX effects usage in current games, we recommend to check out our library of comparison PhysX videos and screenshots.

Now, new and enhanced MKZ Benchmark version 2.2, specially developed for Fermi GPUs launch in China, is available.

Compared to previous version, graphics is looking much nicer, game physics (destructible rigid body objects, particles, tearable cloth) is looking more solid and accurate.

MKZ Benchmark 2.2 download is available here (1.3 Gb)

Important note:

For English version you’ll need to select first line designated as ?? during installation.

Configuring and launching the game may be a little tricky.

Benchmark settings can be altered via MKZSettings.exe file, located in \Object Software\MKZBenchmark\system folder.

Now, to launch benchmark with saved settings, you’ll need to create shortcut for MetalKnightZeroClient.exe file (same folder) with following parameters “-openautomate -debug“

You can use one of the shortcuts created automatically during installation, but don’t forget to delete “-RESOLUTION” parameter, to prevent graphics resolution settings override.

P.S. MKZ is now in closed beta state. Open beta will be available later this summer.

P.P.S. Don’t forget to check other recent PhysX benchmark – JX3

Again, thanks for Stefan for some hints

Benchmark includes two sequences – first one, Lighting & PhysX benchmark.

Scene starts with lighting capabilities demonstration – dynamic shadows, god rays, day & night cycle..

.. and is followed by fighting scene, echanced with several PhysX effects..

..like cloth banners, clothing simulation, and particles affected by characters movement.

Looking nice, but nothing particularly impressing, and those “lighting” part prevents GPU PhysX performance from being measured properly.

Second part of the benchmark is called CUDA Accelerated Animation.

Large group of characters, dancing (or something) in front of the camera, is spawned. Enabling “CUDA Hardware Acceleration” option boosts fps by 2x times.

Sum: just another way to test your GPU PhysX or Hybrid PhysX setup.

You can download JX3 PhysX & CUDA benchmark here (351 mb)

Thanks to Stefan for the link.

In order to experience Batman: Arkham Asylum to its fullest extent when running PhysX on GeForce GTX 480 and 470 GPUs, users will need to replace the existing RRB.DLL file with a new one. In most configurations, the RRB.DLL can be found in the “\Square Enix\Batman Arkham Asylum GOTY\Binaries” directory.

If it is not located in this directory, please do a search for the filename on your system.

RRB.DLL is responsible for GPU accelerated Rigid Bodies calculations – large-scale physics effect, mostly memorable from Scarecrow nightmares.

You can download PhysX Rigid Bodies patch from here (2.8 mb)