What is on show today is one of the new maps that will be in the release; Negara. Negara is one of a few prototype maps where extensive testing of the cascade and pulse lighting happens. The map has a simple set up that supports 4 players with key elements flowing from one corner of the map to the other. Along this path are a nebulae string and an adjacent asteroid belt protecting the planet's outer side. This map is also one of the first maps of its kind to introduce alternative light sources in the map. This map also contains new methods in starfield creation that differs from the norm.

With the cascading light in full effect in Negara, it gives the impression that the map is alive with how it will send light through the nebulae and show off the pulse/heartbeat light effects.

For today's bit of promo, here are some shots of how the new shader/lighting engine is taking shape. Currently in its second build form, the results are more realistic shadows based on light sources and positioning of the ships. Cast shadows from stellar objects are more consistent, solid and clearly defined (such as seeing a planets shadow cast across the ships hull).

As the Aftermath graphics engine is not being treated as a single entity, the whole process of these new graphics are a result of changes to map, graphics, shaders and the performance engine. As there is ongoing tests that continually reset the performance benchmark, the engine is being optimised to provide the balance between looks and practicality. Another key aspect to the new graphics engine is the near elimination of the 'jagged' shadows.

The next area that gets incorporated to the new graphics engine is all weaponry. It is early days yet in this department but already on show are torpedoes giving off light (glows) and there are current tests to translate this across to all beam and pulse weaponry. Aftermath 3.0 still does not run the Shaders 3.0 specification setting.

For show today are two bits of retexture work on both the Gryphon and the Preator. The Preator now has a more industrial look to her. Sort of like a ship without having its paint job. It suits the role of the ship more with having a more minimal look. The second texture work being shown is the Gryphon which has had a complete overhaul. Even though it is still the same model, it looks completely different and a much more sinister yet elegant look to her which ties her in more with the later era Romulan ships.

Also on show is one of the new prototype maps, 'Nepera Dissi'. This map is one of only a handful of maps that are currently running to full use of our new lighting engine. These maps take longer to make as the light sources are tweaked and balanced to provide tonal lighting and to portray light and shade in the maps. The map also introduces a new 'cascade' type nebulae effect and a finer 'mist' styled nebulae almost exactly what was seen in First Contact or Insurrection.

And final ones are a couple shots showing how the new light source reacts with suns. You no longer just get that glare burst. This showcases the tunnel effect in the lighting engine. The closer you get to a sun the more blinding and intense the light gets till you can barely see where your going (will become very dangerous as development heads on when interactive environments come into play). The light is far more solid and gives off rays, flares, strong bursts of light and something new from the lighting engine is pulse lighting (where a sun will imitate a 'pulse' or a beating heart when a ship is too close). Some of the nebulae also display pulse lighting and some even enhance the effect of a pulsing sun to display unique lighting effects where the nebulae picks up the pulses and sends it through the nebulae in a cascading light.