Dark Void page at nzone.com was updated with new screenshots, demonstrating GPU PhysX effects in action. Most impressive are new APEX turbulence based smoke and dynamic particles for Jetpack and Disentegrator Gun accordingly.

In addition, other weapons are augmented with more “standart” particles effects – impact debris from bullet hits, physically simulated sparks and chunks.

As always, we’ll prepare long and boring comparison PhysX video after game release Until then you can watch Dark Void PhysX trailer

Update: comparison PhysX video available

Update #2: PhysX patch and benchmark available

PC demo version of Dark Void emerges on the net recently. It’s just resembles console demo – 20 min of jetpack fun, ufo hijacking and some firefight on foot.

However, despite of fact that Dark Void is augmented with hardware accelerated PhysX support, this particular demo does not contain any GPU PhysX content (confirmed by Nvidia).

You can download PC demo (1.02 GB) of Dark Void via  FileFront | Fileplanet | WorthPlaying

World’s first PhysX trailer from Dark Void was uploaded to YouTube.

It’s showcasing some nice particle effects for Desintegrator Gun and Jetpack, made with APEX Turbulence module. You also can notice small chunks and debris, breaking off from destroyed enemies.

Update: hands-on impression by Shacknews

The additional special effects kicked in by turning on PhysX are all just cosmetic touches but boy do they make an impact. Dark Void’s jet pack puts the turbulence modelling to good use as each of the twin exhaust plumes swirls and realistically responds to momentum independently. It looked strikingly realistic as I pulled off aerial manoeuvres.

PhysX also provides a number of flashy weapon effects. Hitting an enemy with the disintegrator gun, for example, cause them to disperse in a wisp of particles on the wind. As nice as the console editions look, these effects give the PC version a real visual pop.

With both PhysX and 3D turned on, though, I found the combination distracting. The turbulent jet exhaust that had looked so good became a distraction as it didn’t quite line up correctly with the rockets. All the particle effects from weapon fire still looked pretty but also noticeably increased my eyestrain. I’m not sure whether this was due to their taxing the system or my sight but either way it was uncomfortable.

For my money, I’d probably play the game through with the PhysX effects turned on and leave the 3D as an occasional thing to turn on and fly around a level that it works well with.

We were little worried that Dark Void, staying without updates on GPU PhysX support status since first press-release, will follow the way of other “abandoned” PhysX titles, like Terminator Salvation. Fortunately, certain sources indicates that PC version of Dark Void is going to be shown at CES 2010, being held in Las Vegas on January 7-10.

According to capcom-unity.com, Dark Void “with special Nvidia-powered PhysX enhancements” will be presented at PC Gaming Alliance Booth – North Hall #5616.

Moreover, user Zed X, referring to invitation for CES show, reports on XtremeSystems.com forums that NVIDIA will showcase one GF100 (Fermi) card running Dark Void on three monitors setup, with PhysX effects and 3D Vision enabled.

We’ll try to keep an eye on this, and will inform you on all PhysX related news from CES.

Update: according to BigDownload.com, PC demo of Dark Void won’t be released, while console demos will be available this week.

Update #2: First Dark Void PhysX trailer

Capcom has announced release date for Dark Void title – January 12 2010 in North America, and January 15 in Europe.
Dark Void is going to be one of most advanced GPU PhysX titles, featuring APEX Turbulence support.

Source: Capcom