I found with Half Life 2, the start bit with the train station and the square you come out on, that was the amazing part.

Im not talking about shader really, Im looking at the 3D spatial set design, the colours, the technological designs etc. Yes, if it was all shaders it would look amazing.

Thereafter, it was so big, the rest pailed a bit, I only got half way through though.I agree, it started to look a bit stale in bits.

I admit shaders are great but its the 'gersamtkunstwerk' (excuse spelling), total work of art that makes it sing surely?

Still dont know if I can turn off the soft shadows in Matts demo? Wrong forum, u not going to tell me here?