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Day of Defeat: Source
Author: Geoff RichardsPublished: 26th September 2005
LDR vs HDR
High Dynamic Range (HDR) rendering is the latest 'must-have' feature to be developed. There has already been much discussion about HDR, especially Valve's own implementation of HDR into their Source engine. To date, we have only had Half-Life 2: Lost Coast to play with, so if HDR is new to you, you can learn more about the principles and technology behind it from the following articles:Half Life 2: Lost Coast HDR Overview
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast Hands On Preview
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast Benchmarks, and an exclusive gameplay video.
In line with Valve's pledge that all future games would feature HDR, Day of Defeat: Source uses it to great effect. Sunlight blooms off cement walls and window sills; outdoor areas are momentarily saturated with light while the camera adjusts from a darker, indoor area. It's a hugh boost in image quality, and really contributes to an enjoyable overall gaming experience.
Only when we disabled HDR for the following comparison did we realise just how accustomed to it we have become. As is rapidly becoming the common theme with HDR visuals, once you have tasted the future, there is no turning back. Not knowing any different, few of us were unhappy with the existing graphics - Half-Life 2 is pretty gorgeous as it is. However, HDR raises expectations so high that it is hard to imagine any game from now on without it.
If that sounds like ATI / NVIDIA have brainwashed us to try and force you guys to upgrade, just check out the Low Dynamic Range vs High Dynamic Range screenshots for yourself. LDR is on the left; HDR is on the right. (click for fullscreen versions)
Anzio
Donner
I'm sure you'll forgive us if we leave HDR enabled while we give you a quick tour around Day of Defeat: Source's four launch maps: Anzio, Avalanche, Donner and Flash.
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