WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod

TommiTAG · 24 June 12, 10:58

WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod Ver.2.1 (Final Version)

---------------
* Description *
---------------
- This Mod removes the brownish filter and makes the graphics of WRC 2 clear.

- Thanks to LeMic and Luigi Auriemma for Mixfile ReMixer.

< Ver. 2.0 Updates >

- Enabled the additional effects (Haze, Flare, Motion Blur etc.)
( Note : Depth of Field seems to be disabled in WRC 2 )

- Now the effect of water splashes on the windshield works.

Thanks to DantePLL, jmmontoro and Luke for their suggestions.

< Ver. 2.1 Updates >

Updated the following features.
Still not perfect because of the game's original specification, but this is all what I can do at this time.

- Changed particle color to make it close to the road surface color.
Italy, Jordan, Finland, Australia

- Changed the color and alpha layer of the tire mark to make it close to the road surface color.
Italy, Australia

- Changed the saturation of the graphics.
Greece

Thanks to Luke for his feedback and suggestion.

--------------
* Downloads *
--------------

( Note )
To extract this Mod, 7-Zip tool has to be installed.

http://www.7-zip.org/

< Sample File : including Only Italy (Sardinia) >

I uploaded a sample file including only Italy (Sardinia), so that you can test this Mod easily.

WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1 Sample Italy (Sardinia).7z

< Full Mod : including all countries　>

Please download all parts (001-009) and put them in one folder.
Next, right click on "WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.001" then select "Extract files".

WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.001
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.002
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.003
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.004
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.005
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.006
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.007
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.008
WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.009

---------------
* Installation *
---------------

( 1 ) Please do not forget to make backups of the original files.

( 2 ) Copy and paste "Tracks" folder into the following directory and overwrite the original one.

C:\Program Files (x86)\BlackBeanGames\WRC2\Tracks

---------
* Note *
---------
If this Mod does not work, please try to reinstall WRC 2.

Thanks to Hezemans and DantePLL for feedback.

-----------
* Credits *
-----------
- Thanks to LeMic for Mixfile ReMixer.

- Thanks to Luigi Auriemma for his support to Mixfile ReMixer.
(http://aluigi.altervista.org/)

- Thanks to Milestone for WRC 2.

Hope you'll have a lot of fun with this Mod

!

DantePLL · 24 June 12, 14:45

Hello Tommy,

first of all - BIG thumbs up for this fine piece of work! It must have been lots of work and lots of uploading. Also, great idea with the sample Sardinia rally.

The moment I laid my hands down on WRC2 I got pissed on this blueish tint. However all this time I thought it is a simulation of glass (either of helmet visor or winshield) but then I thought - why is this the same wih the outside view (which I never use). I tried looking for solutions or mods - all in vain. SO I did the most obvious thing to do - I got used to it ;p

So I applied your sample mod and got so disapointed - but not with the mod! It serves its purpose perfectly - my eyes don't hurt anymore

I got turned off because I finally realise this crappy blueish/brownish tint is a fullscreen filter. So when its not there the games starts looking very very poor compared to default. Truth be told the only reason I got interested in WRC games is that with decent physics comes great looks. But without the looks, Richard Burns Rally beats WRC badly.

Hoewver, after getting used to the poorer looks of the game it is still VERY enjoyable. Once again - great job!

I am very curious about what you have learned during your investigation.
Since I can evenually accept the filter the only thing I would like to get rid of is the Depth Of Field.
Could you please tell us a little bit of which files have you worked with? I mean inside the MIX files obviously. This way other users would be able to experiment with the looks of tracks.

I am very curious about your observations.

This is a simple comparison of Jordan rally between WRC1 (top) and WRC2(bottom).

One last thing comes into my mind. WRC1 clearly has DOF, Bloom/HDR and a filter probably. Do you think it would be possible to take a filter from WRC1 (if there is any) and put it in WRC2? Or maybe to create a more neutral filter for WRC2?

TommiTAG · 24 June 12, 20:07

Hello, Dante.
Thanks for your kind comment and suggestions as always

This time, while I was trying to change the SBK Generations' graphics, I found it's possible to change the WRC 2's graphics by converting SBK series graphics config file to WRC 2.
About the modding way, I converted "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" in ".MIX" file of each track.

And as for some additional effects such as DOF, the launcher menus of both titles may be good reference. We can find several defferences between both menus.
But I'm simply a modder and don't know so much about the details of the graphics config settings, sorry.

To be honest, I also think the modded graphics above is just like the old PC games almost 10 years ago and still not perfect.
At the same time, I also agree WRC 2010's graphics was/is better in many points. And it will be the best if we can make the WRC 2's graphics close to WRC 2010's.

I could not make it. But your suggestion inspired me an alternate way and it may be possible to enable some additional effects in WRC 2 too. I'd like to try it and please give me a little more time. If there is some progress, I'll report it here.
Thanks again

(P.S.)
Finally, I can enable the additional effects in WRC 2 too.
Here is a screenshot with flare effect.
It needs some more work. And after checking all settings, I'll upload the new version

DantePLL · 24 June 12, 23:20

Hello,

that would be fantastic! Keep up with your great work! And may the force be with you

I had a modding episode with WRC myself. I tried to get rid of co-driver's stupid remarks like:
Pilot: Where's your focus?
Me: You're not helping me, you know.

Pilot: Is this the fastest you can go?
Me: Wanna swap places?

and so on.

But it turned out that making sound files for WRC is not that easy. It's a microsoft Xbox framework standard and the developing tool is not available anymore. At least not standalone. So after googling around I simply "did the obvious thing - I got used to it." I even forgot what the extension was.

TommiTAG · 25 June 12, 11:47

Hello.
Thanks again for your kind reply.
I tried to convert WRC 2010's graphics config files to WRC 2 but failed before. And your suggestions gave me a clue and I can see the reason and find the way to make it. Now it seems to work ok

And your episode and modding way are very interesting. It will be fun to hear the conversation between driver and co-driver and it will be nice to be able to modify other sounds too.
The sounds of Milestone's titles have been improved little by little. But still, it's far from the standard of the current racing games.
So, I'm looking foward to the new sounds engine of WRC 3 and hope it will be a good one.
Thank you

jmmontoro · 25 June 12, 15:14

Shouldn't the blue tint be fixed by adjusting the gamma?

DantePLL · 25 June 12, 19:37

I tried playing with RGB settings and stuff but nothing helped considerably.

TommiTAG · 26 June 12, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmmontoro

Shouldn't the blue tint be fixed by adjusting the gamma?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DantePLL

I tried playing with RGB settings and stuff but nothing helped considerably.

I also had the same questions and tried the same way. But nothing changed too

I'm now trying to figure out which parameter is which effect. And here are interesting screenshots of Spain SS1.

< WRC 2 Default AFX >

< Converted WRC 2010 Turkey AFX >

< Converted WRC 2010 Spain AFX, GammaOutputMax set to 1.05 >

Almost the same place, but the graphics looks quite different.

The second pic looks like dusk and the third pic looks like dawn.
And we don't have to mention about the default graphics lol

But as seen in these pics, it seems that we can change the atmosphere of the graphics by changing AFX config files fortunately

DantePLL · 26 June 12, 17:02

Now that IS interesting! I'm not sure if I follow though. These are effects of modifing screen filter only? Or is this your mod + moded AFX?
I really like the middle screen. Is there any DOF in this pic? Because it's not straining my eyes like the default view does (I'm sure you agree) yet it looks very vivid and pretty.
The third one is also very nice, but the temperature of colors and less contrast would make eyes hurt after a while I'm afraid. But it looks great!

Fantastic job! Quite astonishing in fact if you realize it's just a matter of switching config files and not textures or shaders. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

By the way, is there any way I could help you with anything? These screenshots made me think: "Oh, this MAY actually work!

Luke · 27 June 12, 12:29

Amazing job Tommi! Changing the atmosphere of the stages gives a total new sense for the game. I agree with all said WRC2010 graphics are better In many aspects compared to WRC2. Also the particles system of 2010 game Is by far the best so far! Keep It up and thank you for your time and passion!

This one looks awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommiTAG

Luke · 27 June 12, 15:19

Just a question Tommi:
Do you think It would be possible to use the particles system of WRC2010 In WRC2?
Or at least edit the parameters?

The particles In WRC2 are disapponting: dust Is transparent and doesn't last long-
particles In the first game were smoother and much more realistic.
In WRC3 thanks to the new engine, we are told they will be very Improoved,
but was wondering, untill then, If we could do something...

Luke · 27 June 12, 15:45

See what I mean?

TommiTAG · 27 June 12, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DantePLL

Now that IS interesting! I'm not sure if I follow though. These are effects of modifing screen filter only? Or is this your mod + moded AFX?
I really like the middle screen. Is there any DOF in this pic? Because it's not straining my eyes like the default view does (I'm sure you agree) yet it looks very vivid and pretty.
The third one is also very nice, but the temperature of colors and less contrast would make eyes hurt after a while I'm afraid. But it looks great!

Fantastic job! Quite astonishing in fact if you realize it's just a matter of switching config files and not textures or shaders. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

By the way, is there any way I could help you with anything? These screenshots made me think: "Oh, this MAY actually work!

Thanks for your kind words, Dante.
When I saw WRC 2 graphics first, I also thought I had to change its textures. But it is a matter of config files and it's very interesting for me too.

Most of these settings were done by Milestone and I simply converted "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" and adjusted some WRC 2 specific parameters.
Some WRC 2010 "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" work well in WRC 2 too but the others not. And I found WRC 2010 Turkey "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" (2nd pic above) works mostly very well in WRC 2. And for Alsace, Spain, Sweden, Wales, the original WRC 2010 "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML"s work fine (like 3rd pic above).

As for DOF, as seen in the pic of the Launcher Menus of WRC 2010 & WRC 2, there seems to be no DOF effect in WRC 2. And actually, DOF is set to "FALSE" in "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" of WRC 2.

And I really appreciate your kind offer for help. Thanks to everybody's encouragement, most of the updates have been almost done. I'd like to upload it as soon as I can.
Thank you

TommiTAG · 27 June 12, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

Amazing job Tommi! Changing the atmosphere of the stages gives a total new sense for the game. I agree with all said WRC2010 graphics are better In many aspects compared to WRC2. Also the particles system of 2010 game Is by far the best so far! Keep It up and thank you for your time and passion!

This one looks awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

Just a question Tommi:
Do you think It would be possible to use the particles system of WRC2010 In WRC2?
Or at least edit the parameters?

The particles In WRC2 are disapponting: dust Is transparent and doesn't last long-
particles In the first game were smoother and much more realistic.
In WRC3 thanks to the new engine, we are told they will be very Improoved,
but was wondering, untill then, If we could do something...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

See what I mean?

Thanks for your good words and very nice pic for comparison, Luke

I also loved WRC 2010's bright and beautiful graphics and stages. And it was shame Milestone used (or imitated) some tinted filters similar to DiRT 1 and GRID of Codemasters's old titles.

And as for the particles systems, I really agree with you and WRC 2010's particles system was/is very good.
Here is my old pic which I captured soon after WRC 2 was released (pre-patched version).

(Left - WRC 2010, Right - Pre-Patched WRC 2)

As known, this transparent particles issue was fixed by the Official Patch v1.1, but still not perfect I think too.

It's the same for sounds. I edited a Sounds Mod to fix the blowoff valve sounds of WRC 2010 before.

http://www.nogripracing.com/forum/sh...&postcount=420

This problem was fixed (partly) in WRC 2 and we become able to hear the blowoff valve sounds clearly (only) in the car. But as known, we can't hear it in TV cams in replay. Real Rally & Rally Games fans will soon notice and won't miss out this point. I tied to fix this issue before but could not in WRC 2 unfortunately.

I also think it would be better if we can update these particles & sounds effects too. And I also hope these effects will be updated in WRC 3's new engine.
Thank you

DantePLL · 27 June 12, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommiTAG

As for DOF, as seen in the pic of the Launcher Menus of WRC 2010 & WRC 2, there seems to be no DOF effect in WRC 2. And actually, DOF is set to "FALSE" in "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" of WRC 2.

OK, this answers my question. I was wondering if DOF really is present in WRC2 or not. There is no such option available in the launcher but the horizon is pretty much blurred. Now I know it is a matter of AFX file. And since you removed it in the first version the DOF-like effect disapeared as well.

Keep up with your great work. Can't wait to see the next version.

Is it possible to unpack WRC 1&2 so that they work without all the big MIX files? I have read about unpacking Shift games, I have played with unpacking GCF files a lot, also unpacking PAK files made Doom 3 run much faster almost 10 years ago;p
This would make modding easier and the download files smaller.

jmmontoro · 28 June 12, 04:52

I hope someone manages to do db edits, so we can mix 2010, 2011 and future 2012 rallies in one game.

Luke · 28 June 12, 06:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmmontoro

I hope someone manages to do db edits, so we can mix 2010, 2011 and future 2012 rallies in one game.

Well, an application like RSRBR center, allowing to mix and match countries/stages/cars
from both WRC2010 & WRC2 (without using each game's .exe) would be awesome!!!

TommiTAG · 28 June 12, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by DantePLL

OK, this answers my question. I was wondering if DOF really is present in WRC2 or not. There is no such option available in the launcher but the horizon is pretty much blurred. Now I know it is a matter of AFX file. And since you removed it in the first version the DOF-like effect disapeared as well.

Keep up with your great work. Can't wait to see the next version.

Is it possible to unpack WRC 1&2 so that they work without all the big MIX files? I have read about unpacking Shift games, I have played with unpacking GCF files a lot, also unpacking PAK files made Doom 3 run much faster almost 10 years ago;p
This would make modding easier and the download files smaller.

I agree the blur & DOF effects of WRC 2010 were a bit overdone. But fortunately, the DOF seems to be disabled in WRC 2.

And as for the modding way, we can modify the recent Milestone's titles by using Mixfile ReMixer (thanks to LeMic). And it would be better if we'll be able to use some unpacked method like SHIFT series and gMotor2

TommiTAG · 28 June 12, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmmontoro

I hope someone manages to do db edits, so we can mix 2010, 2011 and future 2012 rallies in one game.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

Well, an application like RSRBR center, allowing to mix and match countries/stages/cars
from both WRC2010 & WRC2 (without using each game's .exe) would be awesome!!!

Really great idea, jmmontoro and Luke !
Milestone released SBK 08, 09, X & 2011 for PC, then released "SBK Generations Ride 4 years" (2009-2012 + Legends ).
Following the same pattern, WRC 4 must be "WRC Generations Drive 4 years" and it will be great if they'll come together

DantePLL · 28 June 12, 13:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommiTAG

And as for the modding way, we can modify the recent Milestone's titles by using Mixfile ReMixer (thanks to LeMic). And it would be better if we'll be able to use some unpacked method like SHIFT series and gMotor2)

So I guess WRC games can't be unpacked like SHIFT?

Luke · 28 June 12, 18:14

One of the things I'd like to see for WRC game online play, Is something like RSRBR public sessions, where you can arrage a rally (mix&match countries/stages) and people know what rallies are going to happen In the following days, so to schedule which ones to participate or organize some championships. The French guys came up with that Idea, deserve a medal

TommiTAG · 28 June 12, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by DantePLL

So I guess WRC games can't be unpacked like SHIFT?

I'm not sure. But as far as I've tested, unpacked files don't work at all and we need to pack them ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

One of the things I'd like to see for WRC game online play, Is something like RSRBR public sessions, where you can arrage a rally (mix&match countries/stages) and people know what rallies are going to happen In the following days, so to schedule which ones to participate or organize some championships. The French guys came up with that Idea, deserve a medal

Online Custom Rally Championship is a great idea and it may be a must.
Milestone's "Superstars V8 Next Challenge" already has "Customize Championship" mode. And like the second pic below, All Monza Championship is possible lol
Milestone didn't add this feature to WRC & SBK series and I can't understand the reason. But actually, it is possible.
So, I also hope this "Custom Championship" mode both for Multiplayer and Single Player too

TommiTAG · 1 July 12, 09:42

Updated the Mod to Ver.2.0. Please check the first post.

While testing, I noticed to enable the water splashes on the windshield, I have to use WRC 2's "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" because WRC 2010 don't have working wipers. But I copied each parameter one by one, and now it works fine.

If there is any problem, please let me know.
Hope you enjoy

Racer STI · 1 July 12, 10:25

TommiTAG, respect, good job!

Hezemans · 1 July 12, 14:43

After downloading your great work, does'nt it have to be extracted, sorry stupid I know?

Manolis · 1 July 12, 18:40

Amazing job Tommi!

TommiTAG · 1 July 12, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer STI

TommiTAG, respect, good job!

Thanks for comment, Racer STI.
All thanks to this community

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hezemans

After downloading your great work, does'nt it have to be extracted, sorry stupid I know?

Thanks for comment, Hezemans.
This Mod has to be extracted by using 7-Zip tool.

http://www.7-zip.org/

(1) Please install 7-zip (32bit x86 or 64bit x64).
(2) Before extracting. all 001-009 parts have to be downloaded and put in one folder.
(3) Next, right click on "WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_0.7z.001" and select "Extract files" in the right click menu.

I added this link to the first post too. Thanks for your suggestion

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manolis

Amazing job Tommi!

Thanks for comment, Manolis

DantePLL · 1 July 12, 22:37

Magnificent work Tommi!

After trying New Mexico rally out I was like: OK, this looks clear but somewhat poor and pale but then the enlightment came down on me - you idiot, you were playing with brightness maxed out because of Killing Floor. And when I reverted brightness and stuff to what it supposed to be I felt in love with the new look of Mexico.

I didn't have the time to download everything, not to mention testing it, but if it's at least half as good as Mexico then you deserve a medal!

It looks clear, it still looks good and my eyes don't hurt because of this filter, bloom and stuff! Great job. Thanks a lot!

Hezemans · 2 July 12, 07:57

Wow, amazing job, Thanks very much!!!!

Luke · 2 July 12, 18:30

The WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod Ver.2.0 (Updated) looks great Tommi!
Let me play It a while and share my thoughts

TommiTAG · 2 July 12, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by DantePLL

Magnificent work Tommi!

After trying New Mexico rally out I was like: OK, this looks clear but somewhat poor and pale but then the enlightment came down on me - you idiot, you were playing with brightness maxed out because of Killing Floor. And when I reverted brightness and stuff to what it supposed to be I felt in love with the new look of Mexico.

I didn't have the time to download everything, not to mention testing it, but if it's at least half as good as Mexico then you deserve a medal!

It looks clear, it still looks good and my eyes don't hurt because of this filter, bloom and stuff! Great job. Thanks a lot!

This time, thanks for your support, DantePLL.
I also think it's still not perfect, this is all what I can do at this time, sorry.
But thanks to everybody's suggestions, I could add the flare, Haze, Motion Blur and Water Splashes effects etc, and the graphics become looking better than the first version.
And if there is any problem, please let me know. I'll fix it as soon as I can.
Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hezemans

Wow, amazing job, Thanks very much!!!!

Thanks for your reply, Hezemans.
All files (configs, textures and models) are packed in one file per track and I had to upload all tracks' files, sorry.
But I'm glad to hear your reply. Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

The WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod Ver.2.0 (Updated) looks great Tommi!
Let me play It a while and share my thoughts

This time, thanks for your support, Luke.
Maybe it's still not perfect. And if there is any problem, please let me know. I'll fix it as soon as I can.
Thank you

Tatino · 3 July 12, 12:56

Many thanks, it's a fantastic job.

I hope that Milestone will engage you for the next year!

Luke · 3 July 12, 16:06

Tommi man, you did It!

Version 2 gives a much more clear look to the game and the water splash on the windshield Is awesome. So the rest of the effects! But the most amazing thing Is that particles of WRC2010 are brought back!!! Now, we got some great long lasting dust; now we can even see dust/dirt coming out of the front wheels!!! Here are the evidence! (In my opinion the mod Is almost perfect;If you could just make grass look more green when car passes through;It has the colour of dust as It Is...but this is just a tiny detail!)

Luke · 3 July 12, 16:09

...here Is some more dust!!!

P.S. And the dust colour Is more proper now-closer to the each surface. Remember It looked a bit whitey In the previous version?

Welldone and Thank you!!!

DantePLL · 3 July 12, 18:20

Here are comparison screenshot of all 14 rallyes. Click the link and simply put your mouse over and off the picture to see the difference.

WRC 2 Comparison part 1
WRC 2 Comparison part 2
WRC 2 Comparison part 3

Sorry it's not in one link but it didn't want to upload all at once.

Although some tracks may look less vivid than before to some people the overall effect is GREAT! You will surely notice that this disgusting pale blueish shitty filter on Sweden (and several more rallies) is gone!

Thanks a lot Tommi! Fantastic work!

Hezemans · 3 July 12, 20:09

Hi DantePLL, can I ask what gamma setting you use, my France track still look blue!?
Thanks.

Hezemans · 3 July 12, 20:37

Screenshot France!!

DantePLL · 3 July 12, 20:39

The gamma is the same all the time. It is set as default in the game itself which is exactly in the middle. Are you sure you subsituted everything? Do you have all the files download correctly? (8x200MB+109MB)

Is this only this stage or whole rally? I haven't tested it thoroughly, only first stages and for sceenshots only.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hezemans

Hi DantePLL, can I ask what gamma setting you use, my France track still look blue!?
Thanks.

Hezemans · 3 July 12, 20:49

I think so, 8x200MB and file009 is 109MB, so there must be something wrong?
Your France colors look great, mine still are much to blue, so???

DantePLL · 3 July 12, 21:18

part 9 is 106MB sorry. A misclick on numeric keyboard.
But put the files aside. Is this happening on a whole rally or only one stage?
I tested all 6 France stages on multiple graphics settings and they all work like a charm.
These are the sizes of files on my HD:

Are yours the same?

Hezemans · 3 July 12, 21:34

Correct,all are the same, very strange is'nt it?

Hezemans · 3 July 12, 21:35

At first I tought the mod worked for me, seems not?

DantePLL · 3 July 12, 21:57

What about other rallies?

TommiTAG · 3 July 12, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tatino

Many thanks, it's a fantastic job.

I hope that Milestone will engage you for the next year!

Thanks for comment, Tatino.
I also hope Milestone will use these clear graphics settings for the next WRC 3

!

TommiTAG · 3 July 12, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

Tommi man, you did It!

Version 2 gives a much more clear look to the game and the water splash on the windshield Is awesome. So the rest of the effects! But the most amazing thing Is that particles of WRC2010 are brought back!!! Now, we got some great long lasting dust; now we can even see dust/dirt coming out of the front wheels!!! Here are the evidence! (In my opinion the mod Is almost perfect;If you could just make grass look more green when car passes through;It has the colour of dust as It Is...but this is just a tiny detail!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

...here Is some more dust!!!
P.S. And the dust colour Is more proper now-closer to the each surface. Remember It looked a bit whitey In the previous version?

Welldone and Thank you!!!

Thanks for your feedback and very nice pics, Luke !
I'm also glad to find the original particles effect has brought back. And now, watching replay is fun for me too

> If you could just make grass look more green ...

We can change the saturation of the tracks by editing desaturation value.
I apologize for bothering you, but if you don't mind, could you please tell me which tracks need more saturation ?
I'll edit and upload the more saturated version too.

> P.S. And the dust colour Is more proper now-closer to the each surface. Remember It looked a bit whitey In the previous version ?

Yes, I also have the same question. But it doesn't seem to be fixed only by editing "AFX" files.
It may be the problem of some SFX files ... or will be fixed simply by changing texture files of the particles.
This is our next challenge and I'm also going to look into it

TommiTAG · 3 July 12, 22:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by DantePLL

Here are comparison screenshot of all 14 rallyes. Click the link and simply put your mouse over and off the picture to see the difference.

WRC 2 Comparison part 1
WRC 2 Comparison part 2
WRC 2 Comparison part 3

Sorry it's not in one link but it didn't want to upload all at once.

Although some tracks may look less vivid than before to some people the overall effect is GREAT! You will surely notice that this disgusting pale blueish shitty filter on Sweden (and several more rallies) is gone!

Thanks a lot Tommi! Fantastic work!

Thanks for your feedback and very nice pics for comparison !
I was really disappointed with WRC 2 before because of its default tinted filters. But I'm also happy to be able to find the original WRC 2 graphics and effects are beautiful and it's really fun to play WRC 2

TommiTAG · 3 July 12, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hezemans

Hi DantePLL, can I ask what gamma setting you use, my France track still look blue!?
Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DantePLL

The gamma is the same all the time. It is set as default in the game itself which is exactly in the middle. Are you sure you subsituted everything? Do you have all the files download correctly? (8x200MB+109MB)

Is this only this stage or whole rally? I haven't tested it thoroughly, only first stages and for sceenshots only.

Thanks for your feedback, Hezemans.
And thanks again for kind explanation, DantePLL.

Though I'm not sure the cause of this problem, I uploaded another file including only France. Please try this one.

WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_0 Sample France.7z

If there is any other problem, please let me know.
Hope this helps

Hezemans · 4 July 12, 07:54

Thanks TommiTAG, ashame no change, why I don't understand, it seems not to work for me!

Hezemans · 4 July 12, 08:38

TommiTAG, made a new install, and now works GREAT, looks GREAT, Thanks for your mod!!!!!!!

DantePLL · 4 July 12, 08:45

Oh! So it was fixed by a new installation. How strange. Neither the tracks nor the mod is related to registry or anything of this sort. Good thing this got fixed.

Tommi I'd like to suggest you put a little info in the first post (or any download post on the main site if you ever create one for this mod), that if it doesn't work try reinstalling the game.

I played all France stages yesterday and they look WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY batter than the original. What a fine piece of work!

24 June 12, 10:58	#1
TommiTAG Uploader Join Date: Apr 2010 Age: 48	WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod Ver.2.1 (Final Version) WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod Ver.2.1 (Final Version) --------------- * Description * --------------- - This Mod removes the brownish filter and makes the graphics of WRC 2 clear. - Thanks to LeMic and Luigi Auriemma for Mixfile ReMixer. < Ver. 2.0 Updates > - Enabled the additional effects (Haze, Flare, Motion Blur etc.) ( Note : Depth of Field seems to be disabled in WRC 2 ) - Now the effect of water splashes on the windshield works. Thanks to DantePLL, jmmontoro and Luke for their suggestions. < Ver. 2.1 Updates > Updated the following features. Still not perfect because of the game's original specification, but this is all what I can do at this time. - Changed particle color to make it close to the road surface color. Italy, Jordan, Finland, Australia - Changed the color and alpha layer of the tire mark to make it close to the road surface color. Italy, Australia - Changed the saturation of the graphics. Greece Thanks to Luke for his feedback and suggestion. -------------- * Downloads * -------------- ( Note ) To extract this Mod, 7-Zip tool has to be installed. http://www.7-zip.org/ < Sample File : including Only Italy (Sardinia) > I uploaded a sample file including only Italy (Sardinia), so that you can test this Mod easily. WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1 Sample Italy (Sardinia).7z < Full Mod : including all countries　> Please download all parts (001-009) and put them in one folder. Next, right click on "WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.001" then select "Extract files". WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.001 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.002 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.003 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.004 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.005 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.006 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.007 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.008 WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod v2_1.7z.009 --------------- * Installation * --------------- ( 1 ) Please do not forget to make backups of the original files. ( 2 ) Copy and paste "Tracks" folder into the following directory and overwrite the original one. C:\Program Files (x86)\BlackBeanGames\WRC2\Tracks --------- * Note * --------- If this Mod does not work, please try to reinstall WRC 2. Thanks to Hezemans and DantePLL for feedback. ----------- * Credits * ----------- - Thanks to LeMic for Mixfile ReMixer. - Thanks to Luigi Auriemma for his support to Mixfile ReMixer. (http://aluigi.altervista.org/) - Thanks to Milestone for WRC 2. Hope you'll have a lot of fun with this Mod ! Last edited by TommiTAG; 12 October 12 at 15:46.

24 June 12, 20:07	#3
TommiTAG Uploader Join Date: Apr 2010 Age: 48	Hello, Dante. Thanks for your kind comment and suggestions as always This time, while I was trying to change the SBK Generations' graphics, I found it's possible to change the WRC 2's graphics by converting SBK series graphics config file to WRC 2. About the modding way, I converted "AFX_CONFIG_.BML" in ".MIX" file of each track. And as for some additional effects such as DOF, the launcher menus of both titles may be good reference. We can find several defferences between both menus. But I'm simply a modder and don't know so much about the details of the graphics config settings, sorry. To be honest, I also think the modded graphics above is just like the old PC games almost 10 years ago and still not perfect. At the same time, I also agree WRC 2010's graphics was/is better in many points. And it will be the best if we can make the WRC 2's graphics close to WRC 2010's. I could not make it. But your suggestion inspired me an alternate way and it may be possible to enable some additional effects in WRC 2 too. I'd like to try it and please give me a little more time. If there is some progress, I'll report it here. Thanks again (P.S.) Finally, I can enable the additional effects in WRC 2 too. Here is a screenshot with flare effect. It needs some more work. And after checking all settings, I'll upload the new version Last edited by TommiTAG; 24 June 12 at 22:42.*

24 June 12, 14:45	#2
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	Hello Tommy, first of all - BIG thumbs up for this fine piece of work! It must have been lots of work and lots of uploading. Also, great idea with the sample Sardinia rally. The moment I laid my hands down on WRC2 I got pissed on this blueish tint. However all this time I thought it is a simulation of glass (either of helmet visor or winshield) but then I thought - why is this the same wih the outside view (which I never use). I tried looking for solutions or mods - all in vain. SO I did the most obvious thing to do - I got used to it ;p So I applied your sample mod and got so disapointed - but not with the mod! It serves its purpose perfectly - my eyes don't hurt anymore I got turned off because I finally realise this crappy blueish/brownish tint is a fullscreen filter. So when its not there the games starts looking very very poor compared to default. Truth be told the only reason I got interested in WRC games is that with decent physics comes great looks. But without the looks, Richard Burns Rally beats WRC badly. Hoewver, after getting used to the poorer looks of the game it is still VERY enjoyable. Once again - great job! I am very curious about what you have learned during your investigation. Since I can evenually accept the filter the only thing I would like to get rid of is the Depth Of Field. Could you please tell us a little bit of which files have you worked with? I mean inside the MIX files obviously. This way other users would be able to experiment with the looks of tracks. I am very curious about your observations. This is a simple comparison of Jordan rally between WRC1 (top) and WRC2(bottom). One last thing comes into my mind. WRC1 clearly has DOF, Bloom/HDR and a filter probably. Do you think it would be possible to take a filter from WRC1 (if there is any) and put it in WRC2? Or maybe to create a more neutral filter for WRC2?

24 June 12, 23:20	#4
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	Hello, that would be fantastic! Keep up with your great work! And may the force be with you I had a modding episode with WRC myself. I tried to get rid of co-driver's stupid remarks like: Pilot: Where's your focus? Me: You're not helping me, you know. Pilot: Is this the fastest you can go? Me: Wanna swap places? and so on. But it turned out that making sound files for WRC is not that easy. It's a microsoft Xbox framework standard and the developing tool is not available anymore. At least not standalone. So after googling around I simply "did the obvious thing - I got used to it." I even forgot what the extension was.

25 June 12, 11:47	#5
TommiTAG Uploader Join Date: Apr 2010 Age: 48	Hello. Thanks again for your kind reply. I tried to convert WRC 2010's graphics config files to WRC 2 but failed before. And your suggestions gave me a clue and I can see the reason and find the way to make it. Now it seems to work ok And your episode and modding way are very interesting. It will be fun to hear the conversation between driver and co-driver and it will be nice to be able to modify other sounds too. The sounds of Milestone's titles have been improved little by little. But still, it's far from the standard of the current racing games. So, I'm looking foward to the new sounds engine of WRC 3 and hope it will be a good one. Thank you

25 June 12, 15:14	#6
jmmontoro Join Date: Jun 2011	Shouldn't the blue tint be fixed by adjusting the gamma?

25 June 12, 19:37	#7
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	I tried playing with RGB settings and stuff but nothing helped considerably.

26 June 12, 17:02	#9
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	Now that IS interesting! I'm not sure if I follow though. These are effects of modifing screen filter only? Or is this your mod + moded AFX? I really like the middle screen. Is there any DOF in this pic? Because it's not straining my eyes like the default view does (I'm sure you agree) yet it looks very vivid and pretty. The third one is also very nice, but the temperature of colors and less contrast would make eyes hurt after a while I'm afraid. But it looks great! Fantastic job! Quite astonishing in fact if you realize it's just a matter of switching config files and not textures or shaders. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. By the way, is there any way I could help you with anything? These screenshots made me think: "Oh, this MAY actually work!

27 June 12, 15:19	#11
Luke Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Greece	Just a question Tommi: Do you think It would be possible to use the particles system of WRC2010 In WRC2? Or at least edit the parameters? The particles In WRC2 are disapponting: dust Is transparent and doesn't last long- particles In the first game were smoother and much more realistic. In WRC3 thanks to the new engine, we are told they will be very Improoved, but was wondering, untill then, If we could do something...

27 June 12, 15:45	#12
Luke Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Greece	See what I mean?

28 June 12, 04:52	#16
jmmontoro Join Date: Jun 2011	I hope someone manages to do db edits, so we can mix 2010, 2011 and future 2012 rallies in one game.

28 June 12, 18:14	#21
Luke Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Greece	One of the things I'd like to see for WRC game online play, Is something like RSRBR public sessions, where you can arrage a rally (mix&match countries/stages) and people know what rallies are going to happen In the following days, so to schedule which ones to participate or organize some championships. The French guys came up with that Idea, deserve a medal

1 July 12, 09:42	#23
TommiTAG Uploader Join Date: Apr 2010 Age: 48	Updated the Mod to Ver.2.0. Please check the first post. While testing, I noticed to enable the water splashes on the windshield, I have to use WRC 2's "AFX_CONFIG_*.BML" because WRC 2010 don't have working wipers. But I copied each parameter one by one, and now it works fine. If there is any problem, please let me know. Hope you enjoy

1 July 12, 10:25	#24
Racer STI Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ukraine	TommiTAG, respect, good job!

1 July 12, 14:43	#25
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	After downloading your great work, does'nt it have to be extracted, sorry stupid I know?

1 July 12, 18:40	#26
Manolis Join Date: Apr 2012	Amazing job Tommi!

1 July 12, 22:37	#28
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	Magnificent work Tommi! After trying New Mexico rally out I was like: OK, this looks clear but somewhat poor and pale but then the enlightment came down on me - you idiot, you were playing with brightness maxed out because of Killing Floor. And when I reverted brightness and stuff to what it supposed to be I felt in love with the new look of Mexico. I didn't have the time to download everything, not to mention testing it, but if it's at least half as good as Mexico then you deserve a medal! It looks clear, it still looks good and my eyes don't hurt because of this filter, bloom and stuff! Great job. Thanks a lot!

2 July 12, 07:57	#29
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	Wow, amazing job, Thanks very much!!!!

2 July 12, 18:30	#30
Luke Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Greece	The WRC 2 Clear Graphics Mod Ver.2.0 (Updated) looks great Tommi! Let me play It a while and share my thoughts

3 July 12, 12:56	#32
Tatino Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Italy	Many thanks, it's a fantastic job. I hope that Milestone will engage you for the next year!

3 July 12, 16:06	#33
Luke Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Greece	Tommi man, you did It! Version 2 gives a much more clear look to the game and the water splash on the windshield Is awesome. So the rest of the effects! But the most amazing thing Is that particles of WRC2010 are brought back!!! Now, we got some great long lasting dust; now we can even see dust/dirt coming out of the front wheels!!! Here are the evidence! (In my opinion the mod Is almost perfect;If you could just make grass look more green when car passes through;It has the colour of dust as It Is...but this is just a tiny detail!)

3 July 12, 16:09	#34
Luke Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Greece	...here Is some more dust!!! P.S. And the dust colour Is more proper now-closer to the each surface. Remember It looked a bit whitey In the previous version? Welldone and Thank you!!!

3 July 12, 18:20	#35
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	Here are comparison screenshot of all 14 rallyes. Click the link and simply put your mouse over and off the picture to see the difference. WRC 2 Comparison part 1 WRC 2 Comparison part 2 WRC 2 Comparison part 3 Sorry it's not in one link but it didn't want to upload all at once. Although some tracks may look less vivid than before to some people the overall effect is GREAT! You will surely notice that this disgusting pale blueish shitty filter on Sweden (and several more rallies) is gone! Thanks a lot Tommi! Fantastic work!

3 July 12, 20:09	#36
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	Hi DantePLL, can I ask what gamma setting you use, my France track still look blue!? Thanks.

3 July 12, 20:49	#39
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	I think so, 8x200MB and file009 is 109MB, so there must be something wrong? Your France colors look great, mine still are much to blue, so???

3 July 12, 21:18	#40
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	part 9 is 106MB sorry. A misclick on numeric keyboard. But put the files aside. Is this happening on a whole rally or only one stage? I tested all 6 France stages on multiple graphics settings and they all work like a charm. These are the sizes of files on my HD: Are yours the same?

3 July 12, 21:34	#41
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	Correct,all are the same, very strange is'nt it?

3 July 12, 21:35	#42
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	At first I tought the mod worked for me, seems not?

3 July 12, 21:57	#43
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	What about other rallies?

4 July 12, 07:54	#48
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	Thanks TommiTAG, ashame no change, why I don't understand, it seems not to work for me!

4 July 12, 08:38	#49
Hezemans Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 59	TommiTAG, made a new install, and now works GREAT, looks GREAT, Thanks for your mod!!!!!!!

4 July 12, 08:45	#50
DantePLL Uploader Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Poland Age: 27	Oh! So it was fixed by a new installation. How strange. Neither the tracks nor the mod is related to registry or anything of this sort. Good thing this got fixed. Tommi I'd like to suggest you put a little info in the first post (or any download post on the main site if you ever create one for this mod), that if it doesn't work try reinstalling the game. I played all France stages yesterday and they look WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY batter than the original. What a fine piece of work!