by Charl » Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:25 am
Here's a thought I've carried around for a long time without properly phrasing it.
In the simulated world, I rate consistency as much more important than absolute realism or authenticity.
I remember flying wire-frame planes in a 2D world, and being delighted with the whole thing.
Upping the ante by making 3D aircraft models was a big step, but I remember being disappointed then in the surrounding scenery.
Scenery caught up somewhat, but the yo-yo has gone on ever since.
I am actually quite picky about what aircraft I will use in a given scenery in the sim...
I am distracted by a plane that is "better" than the background, and vice versa.
I can understand wanting to improve a SS by replacing the water, and perhaps the grass, because those are the weakest elements of FS.
But in so doing, it's easy to overshoot, and simply make the FS scenery remaining, look shabby.
I believe it's the case in Alister's SS above.
Flipping between the real and edited shots, I just simply prefer the RL version, because it's more consistent.
Not because there is anything wrong with the FS shot (Alister's work is brilliant as we all know).
This is the basis of my rant about not importing RW material into screenshots.
I demonstrated the flipside of this some time ago, to my embarrassment.
I had a movie edited up, of Warbirds over Wanka (Real).
I was so taken with Robin's photoreal scenery, and the Duxford AI planes, that I decided to splice some FS footage into the movie.
It was a Mustang if I recall, seen from spot view over the display area.
When I showed the finished product to some friends, they all said it was great, but I should maybe take the cartoon bit out of the middle!
A state of the art FS model, on some of the best scenery available!
Looking at it with the benefit of hindsight, I can see how pathetic it must have seemed.
And why people look at simmers with something approaching pity...
We are years away from realism in FS, and our brains compensate hugely while immersed in the sim.
You can consistently bluff the brain , but don't show it an anomaly, because it will sit up and take note.
Consistency is everything.
Whew.
PS THAT was long, but there's another rant waiting: Realism vs Authenticity...
Last edited by
Charl on Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:26 am, edited 1 time in total.