Ray trace in games

One of the most important functions in rendering is the Ray trace, this function enables the most realistic environments in rendering.

One of the problems with the ray tracing, is the long process it involves because the simple calculus of the ray trace is heavy and consumes major part of the processing. This can be noticed in programs like 3d Studio Max, one of my favorites in rendering Architectural models, in which the simple task of render one frame takes a long time.

In consoles of current generation like the PS3 or the Xbox 360 both are capable of render real time raster renders, but Ray trace is far more complex, but it seems that the first console capable of real time ray trace could be the PS3, this is pretty daring considering that no actual console uses real time ray trace but it seems that the Killzone 2 engine is the first one in using raytrace, one of the debates about if the PS3 uses or not ray trace it's because no one believes in the raw power of the Cell processor, but we have to remind that the core of the Cell is a core designed for multitasking, and ray trace can be optimized for multicore processors, and the Cell is not fully optimized yet, we need to see what's next for the PS3 and see if it's possible that this console be the first in using this technology.

Valkyria Chronicles

Finally, I have some chapters of the animated version of the game Valkyria Chronicles, this is a game made by Sega exclusive for the PS3, a true masterpiece, because of the short manufacture of disc made by this company the game didn't had great sales, and the strange decision of make the second part for PSP.

The animation is an almost faithful path of the game, but it omits some parts and includes another, it has some echii touch in some scenes but it not abuse of it.

the charm of the game itself was the Canvas engine, it rendered cel-shaded graphics but with a touch of "water pencil" marks.

The episodes begins with the incursion of the empire in the Galian territory, and the meeting of Alicia with Welkin, but that's the precise moment of the invasion.

The rest of the story focuses on the fights with some pitch of romance, perfect for those who are looking the story thrama over a lovestory .

Aion Online

Recently I acquired a little MMO called Aion Online and found myself with the pleasant surprise that it's a beautiful game, I didn't bought any other MMO since WoW. I don't have anything against MMOs but I found that I'm a bit adicted to them if I found them enjoyable, and this one is enjoyable >_>



Currently I'm playing the closed beta with a friend, of course, I will be playing it when it's release it. It uses the Cryengine for the graphics, and it doesn't seem to be nothing like Crysis 2 quality BUT, there are effects that really make you say "yep, it's the cryengine" but I think it's fine it's a little bit relaxed in quality, first is an MMO, second, not many people have Ubber PCs to run the game at max, the point is to make the game fun.

I just hope they don't erase my characters when they release the full retail.

Welcome

Ok this space is made from someone who don't have a life for the moment, I'm going to start putting game links, manga, anime and all that stuff geeks/nerds loves (and slowly being absorbed by people who thinks thats cool and call themselves "gamers" for playing Halo)