NVIDIA 3D Vision Special Effects

Gamer interested in 3D special effects have only a few options to select from, but it seems that NVIDIA's 3D Vision technology is the currently the most effective. PC video games, 3D-DVD and 3D Blu-ray movies, streaming multimedia, and photos are all part of the total package (see our NVIDIA 3D-Vision Multimedia Resource Guide for more information). Several games expand on the three-dimensional effects, and improve the gaming experience with out-of-screen 3D effects. Combining two GeForce video cards into SLI allows for games to play at 5760 x 1080 resolution across three monitors using upper-level settings with APEX PhysX enabled to deliver a thoroughly impressive experience.

NVIDIA 3D Vision/3D Vision Surround is the perfect addition to APEX PhysX technology, and capable video games will prove that these features reproduce lifelike scenery and destruction when they're used together. Glowing embers and fiery shards shooting past you seem very real when 3D Vision pairs itself APEX PhysX technology, and there's finally a good reason to overpower the PCs graphics system.

Mafia II: Explosions Creat Out-of-Screen Effects

In my opinion, the out-of-screen effects are worth every dollar you spend on graphics hardware. In the images above and below (from Mafia II), an explosion sends the car's wheel and door flying into the players face, followed by metal debris and sparks. When you're playing, this really helps to catch your attention... and when the objects are bullets passing by you the added depth of field helps assist in player awareness.

Mafia II: APEX PhysX Delivers Lifelike Destruction

Combined with APEX PhysX technology, NVIDIA 3D Vision special effects bring destructible walls to life. As enemies shoot at the walls, dirt and dust fly past the player forcing stones to tumble out towards you. Again, the added depth of field can help players pinpoint the origin of enemy threat, and improve response time without sustaining 'confusion damage'.

World of Tanks: Made for 3D Vision Surround (3D Version)

NVIDIA 3D Vision wasn't originally part of WarGaming's plan when they developed World of Tanks, but it seems to work flawlessly. In fact, NVIDIA gives WoT a 3D Vision rating of 'Good', but after playing many matches in 3D I would consider it closer to great. There are only a few times you'll see out-of-screen effects, namely when you're in the garage or free-looking around the tank, but all of the other 3D effects really bring World of Tanks to life. Playing in 3D can take some getting used-to however, as artillery and sniper mode work fine but zoomed in views make the depth of a target seem very far away compared to the 2D world. Of course, players can toggle 3D on and off with the CTRL+T hotkey.

World of Tanks: 3D Adds True Depth (3D Version)

Batman: Arkham City offers varying levels of PhysX and 3D Vision special effects, each with its own set of hardware requirements. You can turn PhysX off, or enable 'Normal levels which introduce GPU-accelerated PhysX elements such as Debris Particles, Volumetric Smoke, and Destructible Environments into the game, while the 'High' setting adds real-time cloth and paper simulation. Particles exist everywhere in real life, and this PhysX effect is seen in many aspects of game to add back that same sense of realism. For PC gamers who are enthusiastic about graphics quality, don't skimp on PhysX. DirectX 11 makes it possible to enjoy many of these effects, allowing PhysX and NVIDIA 3D Vision to help bring them to life in the game.

Killing The Undead Can Be Tricky (3D Version)

Even with an adjustable difficulty setting, Batman: Arkham City is quite challenging. I played a portion of the game in standard 2D mode, and then switched to stereoscopic NVIDIA 3D Vision to play through the remainder of the game. Without a doubt, it was much easier to play in 3D. Navigating combat movements became more natural, and gliding through the city gave buildings and the street level a whole new perspective. Since there are so many special effects built into the game waiting to be unlocked with capable hardware, you'll be surprised at how well they transform this comic-based video game into something much more believable.

Safe From Thugs, Not From Guns (3D Version)

Gamers should be aware of is the potential performance penalty for using 3D Vision with older game that lack NVIDIA 3D Vision developer support. NVIDIA Forceware drivers will guide players towards making custom-recommended adjustments specifically for each game they play, but PhysX and anti-aliasing effects will also further reduce frame rate performance.

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