{"id":27955,"date":"2012-01-01T12:12:23","date_gmt":"2012-01-01T12:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=27955"},"modified":"2012-01-04T15:39:53","modified_gmt":"2012-01-04T15:39:53","slug":"3d-vision-2-brings-a-new-level-of-immersion-to-batman-arkham-city-and-trine-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/3d-vision-2-brings-a-new-level-of-immersion-to-batman-arkham-city-and-trine-2\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Vision 2 brings a new level of immersion to Batman: Arkham City and Trine 2"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n                                  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\"><\/script><br \/>\nIn mid-October of this year, Nvidia announced their second generation of <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/nvidia-introduces-3d-vision-2\">3D Vision 2<\/a>.\u00a0 It appears that this new technology has addressed the original ghosting and darkness concerns in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/3d-vision-mega-evaluation-gimmick-or-gamings-future\">mega-review<\/a>.\u00a0 Since then, we have received a 27&#8243; ASUS VG278H 120Hz 3D Vision Ready display supporting the new\u00a0Light Boost technology, and 3D Vision 2 Glasses, from Nvidia.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/3D-Vision-2-Wireless-Glasses-Kit.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/3D-Vision-2-Wireless-Glasses-Kit.png?resize=553%2C311\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>In this evaluation, although we will compare the technical specifications and improvements\u00a0of 3D Vision 2 over the original,\u00a0 most of this evaluation is subjective.\u00a0 Real improvements are generally\u00a0noted by actually playing games in 3D.\u00a0 We especially looked to see if ghosting was lessened in 3D Vision 2, as it would make\u00a0for\u00a0less fatigue in\u00a0long\u00a0gaming sessions.<\/p>\n<p>This new technology is not inexpensive as the ASUS VG278 27&#8243; 120Hz 3D Vision 2 ready display and glasses are <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236206\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236206', '$699 at Newegg']);\" >$699 at Newegg<\/a> and $659 at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B0063BM5NK\/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=3dvibl-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=B0063BM5NK\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B0063BM5NK\/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=3dvibl-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=B0063BM5NK', 'Amazon']);\" >Amazon<\/a> &#8211; much more than the $409 the original 3D Vision bundle with the ASUS VG236 23&#8243; display now costs that we reviewed a few months ago.\u00a0 We want to know if it is worthwhile for early 3D Vision adopters to upgrade to 3D Vision 2 &#8211; to the improved glasses and larger and brighter displays.<\/p>\n<p>We replayed some of our favorite games from the original 80 (plus) games that we tested with 3D Vision, and also played from start to finish, both <em>Trine 2<\/em> and <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> so as to give the reader our impressions of the new technology in extended gaming sessions.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/PCgamesCol1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"     aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/PCgamesCol1.jpg?resize=515%2C189\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Of course, we will give a mini-review of <em>Trine 2<\/em> and <em>Batman: Arkham City <\/em>as they are games that benefit from being played in Stereoscopic 3D (S3D).\u00a0 <em>Trine 2<\/em> benefits from being one of the most spectacular-looking games visually, and <em>Batman: Arkham City <\/em>is an extraordinary game that actually uses S3D &#8220;depth&#8221; to enhance the player&#8217;s experience, especially in gliding and aiming.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-GLIDE.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28207\" title=\"Batman-GLIDE\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-GLIDE.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-GLIDE.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-GLIDE-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-GLIDE.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Make sure to read ABT&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/3d-vision-mega-evaluation-gimmick-or-gamings-future\/all\/1\">3D Vision Mega Evaluation \u2013 Gimmick or Gaming\u2019s Future?<\/a>\u00a0 It covers Stereoscopic 3D (S3D) in great detail and it includes an interview with Jon Peddie regarding its future. \u00a0 We are optimistic about S3D PC gaming taking off more quickly than 3DTV because of the large library of hundreds of PC games that already work well with it.\u00a0 And we showed that 3D glasses are a non-issue to widespread adoption as &#8220;glasses free&#8221; is not yet a practical option.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_26984\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/nvision08.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26984\" class=\"size-full wp-image-26984\" title=\"nvision08\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/nvision08.jpg?resize=300%2C167\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-26984\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The first article ever written for ABT was, &quot;Nvision08 \u2013 Nvidia\u2019s 3D Future Showcased&quot;.<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">After our original 6-month and 80-plus game evaluation of 3D Vision, we concluded that 3D is the future of gaming &#8211; that it brings a new dimension to the experience. \u00a0 However, we concluded that there are still some technical issues with crosstalk or ghosting that contribute to fatigue in extended gaming and the active shutter glasses&#8217; image is relatively dark.\u00a0 This evaluation will especially focus on these two areas to see if the 3D Vision 2 improvements are worth upgrading to from the original 3D Vision.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We have already determined that the expense of upgrading from 2D to 3D Vision is &#8220;worth it&#8221;, especially if you already have a 120Hz display which has its own advantages for gamers that prefer twitch shooters.\u00a0 From looking at a worst-case 60Hz display situation compared with a 120Hz display using a fast-paced shooter, the faster display (when driven above 60 frames per second) shows a much better image that is clearer and less prone to tearing (with VSynch enabled).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/60v120Hz-Display-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/60v120Hz-Display-1.jpg?resize=480%2C277\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>With a 60Hz display, you have to make compromises with playing faced-paced shooters on a fast PC \u2013 there is either (1) built-in motion blur and tearing without VSync enabled, or (2) a 60fps framerate cap with it on. This not an issue at 120Hz.\u00a0 Using a 120Hz LCD, there is no noticeable frame tearing that this editor experienced as VSync remains on all of the time and the 60fps cap is also gone. Hence the motion blur that everyone else experiences at 60Hz and perceives as normal is gone at 120Hz.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Once you have a suitable 120Hz 3D Vision 2 ready display, 3D Vision 2 active shutter glasses will cost you about $150; about the price of two or three PC games.\u00a0 As we found out, 3D opens a new experience and many of a player&#8217;s old game library from the past decade reopens for replay.\u00a0 In this way, a PC gamer might find 3D Vision 2 to actually be a relatively inexpensive investment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The older tech 3D Vision (1) glasses kit with emitter are currently <a href=\"http:\/\/store.nvidia.com\/store?Action=DisplayProductDetailsPage&amp;SiteID=nvidia&amp;Locale=en_US&amp;Env=BASE&amp;productID=227658600\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/store.nvidia.com\/store?Action=DisplayProductDetailsPage&amp;SiteID=nvidia&amp;Locale=en_US&amp;Env=BASE&amp;productID=227658600', '$99.99 over at GeForce.com']);\" >$99.99 over at GeForce.com<\/a> (with a free digital download of <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/duke-nukem-forever-in-3d-review\">Duke Nukem Forever<\/a>) and an <a href=\"http:\/\/store.nvidia.com\/store?Action=DisplayProductDetailsPage&amp;SiteID=nvidia&amp;Locale=en_US&amp;Env=BASE&amp;productID=122312800\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/store.nvidia.com\/store?Action=DisplayProductDetailsPage&amp;SiteID=nvidia&amp;Locale=en_US&amp;Env=BASE&amp;productID=122312800', 'extra pair of glasses (without emitter) is $69.99']);\" >extra pair of glasses (without emitter) is $69.99<\/a>.\u00a0 So now we have the situation of whether one should buy the discounted older 3D Vision tech or the very latest 3D Vision 2 for more money.\u00a0 In fact, the ASUS 23&#8243; 120Hz VG236 display with the 3D Vision bundle that we used for our mega evaluation is now <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236092\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236092', '$409.99 after a $30 mail-in-rebate at Newegg.com']);\" >$409.99 after a $30 mail-in-rebate at Newegg.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Compatibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the major stumbling blocks for general stereoscopic 3D gaining widespread adoption in the home is that there are many suppliers of the S3D technology and no clear standard &#8211; not even among active shutter glasses. For example, Nvidia glasses won&#8217;t work on a Samsung TV nor will Samsung&#8217;s active shutter glasses work with 3D Vision.<\/p>\n<p>Gamers will note that Nvidia&#8217;s 3D Vision hardware is completely interchangeable and backward compatible.\u00a0 You can use the first generation of 3D Vision glasses with a new Light Boost-enabled display or the second generation of glasses with the original 3D Vision ready displays.\u00a0 Although you will get incremental improvements over the original tech by mixing and matching, you will gain maximum benefit by using the LightBoost displays with the 3D Vision 2 glasses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Advantages of Stereoscopic 3D over 2D in PC gaming<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Besides &#8220;looking cool&#8221;, 3D should ideally present a more realistic and immersive presentation, plus the advantages that depth perception can offer in something like a racing or flying game, or even for a shooter. Unfortunately, most games are in the &#8220;looking cool&#8221; category &#8211; which in of itself can be great.\u00a0 This is well-demonstrated by <em>Trine 2<\/em> where the already amazing graphics and level design is enhanced by depth.<\/p>\n<p>Since<em> Trine 2<\/em> is 3D Vision Ready, each object appears properly in its own layer, and the effects and layered details properly move about in relation to each other which enhances its<em><\/em> awesome graphics and extraordinary level design.\u00a0 In a way this game is similar to another platformer, <em>Alice: Madness Returns<\/em> that we reviewed <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/platformer-madness-alice-returns-in-3d-with-physx\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Almost all of the 3D ads show objects flying out of the screen, called pop-outs.\u00a0 In actuality, there are almost no pop-outs in gaming except for in cut scenes.\u00a0 Nvidia has suggested to game developers that pop-outs will lead to a player&#8217;s fatigue, especially if overdone like in the early 3D movies.\u00a0 However, with the advent of 27&#8243; 120Hz displays, it would now be great to use S3D to experience action &#8220;in front&#8221; of the display.\u00a0 This effect is under-utilized at the moment and leaves room for more experimentation by game programmers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/PopOut-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-26978\" title=\"PopOut-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/PopOut-1.jpg?resize=480%2C319\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/PopOut-1.jpg?resize=480%2C319 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/PopOut-1-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a> We already explored the advantages of the 3D look even though other elements of a game may need to be downgraded in order to accommodate 3D Vision.\u00a0 To provide a full 1080p stereoscopic 3D effect, game requirements including fill rate double, and its geometry generally needs to be processed twice. This is why so many 3D games have framerates approximately half compared to playing the 2D version.\u00a0 To get a good experience with 3D Vision 2,\u00a0 you want a fairly decent gaming PC.\u00a0 Although 3D Vision works with a GTX 9800, a GTX 460 or a GTX 560 will probably give the player a good experience in 3D without too many visual compromises compared to 2D.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Demonstrating S3D<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the challenges for S3D to gain mass consumer acceptance is to get people to actually see it for themselves in their homes. It is impossible to demonstrate 3D to someone who has no way to evaluate it properly on their 2D screen. It would be similar to attempt to demonstrate color television to someone with a black and white set. Actually a small percent of the population cannot even see S3D properly and it would be very wise to have a means to return the 3D hardware to the retailer\/etailer if the experience proves to be unsatisfactory.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s look at 3D Vision 2 compared with the original 3D Vision<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Introduction--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong>3D Vision vs. 3D Vision 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since Nvidia first announced its 3D Vision 3D stereoscopic solution at Nvision08, over one-half million gamers are said to be using 3D Vision as evidenced by the more than 500,000 pairs of the active shutter glasses sold.\u00a0 Nearly 600 games are supported by 3D Vision drivers and 3D fans gather on sub-forums devoted to tweaking games in 3D.\u00a0 AlienBabelTech will stay at the forefront of this movement as we feature regular 3D driver performance analysis and our forum already has threads devoted to 3D gaming.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/nvision08.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/nvision08.jpg?resize=300%2C167\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>As our original <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/3d-vision-mega-evaluation-gimmick-or-gamings-future\">3D Vision Mega-evaluation<\/a> pointed out,\u00a0 the main drawback of the first generation 3D Vision monitors is that they appear darker in 3D mode than in 2D mode.\u00a0 In addition, the active shutter glasses tend to make the environment appear darker to the player which makes it difficult to see anything easily in the room beside the screen; and this can lead to issues with even being able to see keys on the keyboard.<\/p>\n<p>3D Vision 2 uses a new range of panels and glasses that can nearly double the brightness of 3D images.\u00a0 3D Vision 2 uses a new technology called 3D LightBoost that allows monitors to become brighter when used in 3D mode.\u00a0 In practice, it appears to be overall about 50% brighter, but it is difficult to tell as our original (non-Light Boost) ASUS display is 23&#8243; and the new\u00a0ASUS display is 27&#8243;.\u00a0 Size makes a huge difference to experiencing 3D as we shall see.\u00a0 The other big advantage for many gamers the new 27&#8243; display has is that its screen is matte finish &#8211; not glossy like the 23&#8243; monitor.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3dV1vs3dV22.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28051\" title=\"3dV1vs3dV2\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3dV1vs3dV22.jpg?resize=558%2C280\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3dV1vs3dV22.jpg?resize=558%2C280 558w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3dV1vs3dV22-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 558px) 100vw, 558px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Nvidia claims:<em> The redesigned glasses block out unwanted external light. They are also more comfortable when used together with gaming headsets. <\/em><\/p>\n<p>Wearing the original 3D Vision glasses and using the original ASUS 23&#8243; VG236H 3D Vision monitor is like putting on light sunglasses indoors to play a game.\u00a0 Everything inside the gaming area becomes darker and it may be difficult to even see your keyboard&#8217;s keys (which is not an issue for many gamers, but can become annoying if it is a new game).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_28058\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-01.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28058\" class=\"size-full wp-image-28058 \" title=\"VG278_with-glasses-01\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-01.jpg?resize=450%2C366\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-01.jpg?resize=450%2C366 450w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-01-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-28058\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The emitter is built into the top of the screen<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Switching to the 3D Vision 2 glasses and the new ASUS VG278H 3D LightBoost monitor reveals a significant improvement in brightness over the original setup.\u00a0 The LightBoost monitor is definitely brighter and the images are more crisp.\u00a0 Being able to easily see keys on the keyboard is a real plus and one no longer needs to remove the\u00a03D Vision 2 glasses to look about the room.<\/p>\n<p>Best of all, the 27&#8243; ASUS LightBoost display is significantly larger than the original 23\u201d ASUS display that we have been using for the past 9 months.\u00a0 This expanded display greatly improves the players peripheral vision, and enhances the 3D experience.\u00a0 Larger size alone makes a real improvement to the 3D gaming experience.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/DNF-HowS3Dworks.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"DNF-HowS3Dworks\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/DNF-HowS3Dworks.jpg?resize=450%2C391\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The original 3D vision glasses are closed in both eyes during the near-instantaneous right-to-left and left-to-right transitions which makes for a darker environment. However, now the LED backlight of the new LightBoost display is switched off during frame transitions and the glasses stay open longer to brighten up not only the image but also the room.<\/p>\n<p>LightBoost is made possible by pulsing the LED backlight at double the brightness in synchronicity with the LCD lenses of the 3D Vision 2 glasses.\u00a0 This was impossible to do previously with the older 3D displays such as our 23&#8243; ASUS monitor that uses cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) because they cannot pulse with consistent brightness as quickly as LEDs can.<\/p>\n<p>Since these older monitors have CCFL that are on all of the time, both lenses in the original 3D Vision glasses shift into a black-out phase in between the image shifting from eye to eye, thus producing an even darker image.\u00a0 Now that LED backlights can switch on and off in-between frames in synch with the glasses,\u00a0 the double dark phase is eliminated and you get more ambient light to see your keyboard keys with the 3D Vision 2 glasses.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/sidebyside.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28056\" title=\"sidebyside\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/sidebyside.jpg?resize=480%2C148\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/sidebyside.jpg?resize=480%2C148 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/sidebyside-300x92.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>As you can see from the above photo, the 3D Vision active shutter glasses have been redesigned with 20% larger lenses. The new design slims down the width of the earpiece, making the glasses more comfortable to wear with gaming headsets. A light blocker has been added to the top side of the lenses to reduce unwanted light.\u00a0 And they weigh just about the same so that you do not notice then when gaming in 3D.\u00a0 They are quite light considering the electronics that are embedded.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/glasses.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28057\" title=\"glasses\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/glasses.jpg?resize=480%2C191\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/glasses.jpg?resize=480%2C191 619w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/glasses-300x119.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Although Nvidia has attempted to incorporate &#8220;style&#8221; into these glasses, they are nothing you would probably <em>want<\/em> to wear outdoors or as regular sunglasses.\u00a0 Nor should you as they provide no protection from UV and are designed only for 3D Vision gaming.\u00a0 However, they might be even more popular if Nvidia partnered with an eyeglass designer to offer style choices for an even more cool factor with their &#8220;look&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/switch.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28059\" title=\"switch\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/switch.jpg?resize=480%2C131\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/switch.jpg?resize=480%2C131 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/switch-300x81.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>One thing that we do not care for in the new glasses is the location of the on-off switch.\u00a0 The button is now located on the left side-piece &#8211; on the side instead of on top.\u00a0 It is easier and more natural to press down on the older glasses than it is to press inward on the new ones.\u00a0 However this is an incredibly minor nitpick.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, the new glasses together with the LightBoost display offers a much better S3D gaming experience over the older glasses and smaller display.\u00a0 However, we got a excellent experience using the older glasses with the new LightBoost display; much better than using the new glasses with the older display.\u00a0 In fact, the 3D gaming experience was nearly indistinguishable between the two generations of 3D Vision glasses using the 27&#8243; ASUS LightBoost display except for the larger viewing area of the new lenses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Crosstalk or Ghosting<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As we point out in our mega 3D Vision evaluation, the 23&#8243;ASUS monitor exhibits some cross-talk between the right and left images in 3D mode. Nvidia&#8217;s 3D Vision system cycles between the left and right images at 120 times per second or 60 cycles per each eye. Using the emitter, the display is supposed to switch back and forth between the left and right images, in perfect synch with the 3D Vision active shutter glasses to create the 3D effect. Unfortunately, this process is not perfect as the pixels do not change instantaneously especially when transitioning from light to dark (which is why the 2ms response time is measured from gray to gray). The resulting artifacts are perceived as a &#8220;ghost&#8221; image in gaming and ghosting also appears in 3D pictures and moves.<\/p>\n<p>Crosstalk makes the image unfocused and leads to eyestrain as the viewer&#8217;s brain attempts to resolve the images back into one.\u00a0 And of course, display technology is always attempting to improve response time and this is also why TN displays are so popular; other types of displays currently have too slow of a response time needed for displaying stereoscopic 3D.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/ghosting.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28061\" title=\"ghosting\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/ghosting.jpg?resize=520%2C221\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/ghosting.jpg?resize=520%2C221 520w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/ghosting-300x127.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The above image is one of extremes.\u00a0 If one had to deal with the ghosting on the left side, one would get quite fatigued and likely get a headache after awhile.\u00a0 However, even a little bit of ghosting can cause discomfort and it makes sense to get the fastest panel available.\u00a0 There is a noticeable difference between the 23&#8243; older tech ASUS display and the LightBoost 27&#8243; display in that there is much less fatigue with playing games with 3D Vision 2 using the newer display and glasses that cannot be attributed to size nor to brightness.\u00a0 There is very little difference between the monitors (except for size), and the smaller display is actually brighter out of the box compared to its newer and bigger brother in 2D.<\/p>\n<p>We noticed that even after manually adjusting the convergence and depth for each game, we would still get tired after a couple of hours of play with the original 3D Vision and the 23&#8243; (non-LightBoost) ASUS display.\u00a0 Towards the end of a long gaming session, we found ourselves cycling back and forth between 3D and 2D to gives our eyes and brain a rest.\u00a0 The difference that we found with the 27&#8243; LightBoost\/3D Vision 2 active shutter glasses, is that there is much better synchronicity.\u00a0 We can now play with 3D Vision 2 for about double the time previously &#8211; now up to about 4 hours without feeling other than the normal fatigue from an extended 2D gaming session.\u00a0 Of course, this is with 3D Vision Ready games like <em>Trine 2<\/em> and also after fine tuning the adjustments for the game and for the display.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The ASUS VG278&#8217;s Image Quality and Brightness<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Just like with the 23&#8243; ASUS VG236 display, the 27&#8243; VG278 is way too bright out of the box.\u00a0 Although the specification is 300 candelas per square meter maximum brightness, our factory unit was set way higher than that &#8211; and it had nothing to do with LightBoost whatsoever.\u00a0 Surprisingly, although the brightness was turned way up, color accuracy was still decent for a TN panel.\u00a0 And of course, reducing the brightness level made the colors look better.<\/p>\n<p>In gaming, when using out of the box setting, there was still some faint ghosting present in games that benefited by tweaking the display&#8217;s settings.\u00a0 Because the brightness is significantly increased with LightBoost technology, you can afford to sacrifice a bit of it by reducing the display&#8217;s contrast in 3D.\u00a0 That will still leave the image much brighter than with the original displays while diminishing most of the noticeable ghosting.\u00a0 These kind of adjustments work much better on our new 27&#8243; ASUS LightBoost monitor than with our older 23&#8243; display and even the annoying color ghosting can now nearly be eliminated.\u00a0 The end result for the player is much longer gaming sessions without fatigue.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Power Usage and Input lag<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The OSD menu of the ASUS VG278 allows the user to control the level of the LightBoost technology from maximum to disabled.\u00a0 You can definitely see the difference between darker areas as the entire image is now brighter; and the gaming environment is also brighter.<\/p>\n<p>Playing in 2D, the display uses about 45W and a bit less in 3D, which is moderately high for a LED backlight display.\u00a0 Because of having an extremely low input lag and a quick panel response, the ASUS VG278 delivers a great 2D gaming experience for use as a 120Hz panel for fast-paced shooters.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/TraceFree1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28114\" title=\"TraceFree\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/TraceFree1.jpg?resize=480%2C110\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/TraceFree1.jpg?resize=480%2C110 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/TraceFree1-300x68.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>If we are going to name the most impressive feature of this display, it would have to be its matte surface.\u00a0 Second would be its 27-inch size as that size is a great step up for a 3D display over a 23&#8243; or 24&#8243; display.\u00a0 Size really does make a difference to 3D immersion and 27&#8243; appears to be very close to the largest size that you would want for a 1080P display.\u00a0 The only issue that we can find is its price &#8211; $659 to $699 is expensive as 2D 27&#8243; displays can be found for much less; and 23&#8243; 3D displays also.\u00a0 Of course, this display is on the cutting edge of S3D for PC gaming.<\/p>\n<p>Before we head to the unboxing of the ASUS VG278, lets look at our system specifications and the hardware requirements for 3D Vision 2.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: 3D Vision vs. 3D Vision 2--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hardware and System Requirements for 3D Vision 2<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-011.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28080\" title=\"VG278_with-glasses-01\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-011.jpg?resize=405%2C329\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-011.jpg?resize=405%2C329 450w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/VG278_with-glasses-011-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 405px) 100vw, 405px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><strong>GPU Support<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nvidia&#8217;s GeForce cards have been capable of driving 120Hz for years using dual-link DVI.\u00a0 Unfortunately, LCD displays up to 2009 have not been capable of accepting this refresh rate. All existing GeForce 8 series and higher GPUs support dual-link DVI.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3D-Vision-2-Wireless-Glasses-Kit.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28081\" title=\"3D Vision 2 Wireless Glasses Kit\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3D-Vision-2-Wireless-Glasses-Kit.png?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3D-Vision-2-Wireless-Glasses-Kit.png?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3D-Vision-2-Wireless-Glasses-Kit-1024x576.png 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/3D-Vision-2-Wireless-Glasses-Kit.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><strong>Nvidia&#8217;s 3D Vision 2 Kit includes:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>One pair of Nvidia 3D Vision active shutter glasses with storage pouch, adjustable nose pieces, and microfiber cleaning cloth<\/li>\n<li>Nvidia 3D Vision USB controller\/IR emitter is built into the ASUS display\/emitter that comes with the 3D Vision Kit although glasses may be purchased separately with or without emitter<\/li>\n<li>10\u2019 DVI to HDMI cable<\/li>\n<li>10\u2019 USB 2.0 type A to 5-pin mini-B cable<\/li>\n<li>6\u2019 recharge cable (USB Type A to 5-pin mini Type B)<\/li>\n<li>Quick start guide<\/li>\n<li>Installation CD<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The minimum hardware required to play is below:<\/p>\n<p><strong>3D Vision\/2 Minimum System Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Microsoft\u00ae Windows\u00ae Vista 32\/64-bit or Windows 7 32\/64-bit<\/li>\n<li>Intel\u00ae Core\u21222 Duo or AMD Athlon\u2122 X2 CPU or higher<\/li>\n<li>1GB of system memory. (2GB is recommended)<\/li>\n<li>100 MB free disk space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Test Configuration<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Test Configuration &#8211; Hardware:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Intel Core i7 920 (reference 2.66 GHz and overclocked to 3.8GHz); Turbo is on.<\/li>\n<li>Gigabyte EX58-UD3R (Intel X58 chipset, latest BIOS, PCIe 2.0 specification; CrossFire\/SLI 16x+16x).<\/li>\n<li>6 GB OCZ DDR3 PC 18000 Kingston RAM (3&#215;2 GB, tri-channel at PC 1600 speeds; 2&#215;2 GB supplied by Kingston)<\/li>\n<li>Nvidia GTX 580 (1.5 GB, reference clocks), supplied by Nvidia<\/li>\n<li>Nvidia GTX 590 (3 GB, reference clocks), supplied by Nvidia<\/li>\n<li>Galaxy GTX 560 Ti (1 GB, reference clocks) supplied by Galaxy<\/li>\n<li>EVGA GTX 550 Ti (1 GB, factory reference clocks) supplied by EVGA<\/li>\n<li>Onboard Realtek Audio<\/li>\n<li>500 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 hard drive<\/li>\n<li>Thermaltake ToughPower 775 W power supply unit supplied by Thermaltake<\/li>\n<li>Thermaltake Element G Case supplied by Thermaltake<\/li>\n<li>Noctua NH-U12-P SE2 CPU cooler, supplied by Noctua<\/li>\n<li>Philips DVD SATA writer<\/li>\n<li>ASUS VG236H 120Hz 3D Vision ready 1920&#215;1080 23&#8243; display, supplied by Nvidia\/ASUS; glossy<\/li>\n<li>ASUS VG278H 120Hz 3D Vision ready 1920&#215;1080 27&#8243; display, supplied by Nvidia\/ASUS (emitter built-in); matte<\/li>\n<li>3D Vision Wireless Kit (glasses\/emitter) supplied by Nvidia<\/li>\n<li>3D Vision Glasses 2 supplied by Nvidia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Test Configuration &#8211; Software<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Trine 2<\/em> and <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em>, supplied by Nvidia<em>.<\/em><\/li>\n<li>80 plus personal PC game library that work with 3D Vision<\/li>\n<li>Nvidia GeForce WHQL 285.26 and betas 290.36 &amp; 290.53<\/li>\n<li>Windows 7 64-bit; very latest updates<\/li>\n<li>DirectX July\/November 2010<\/li>\n<li>All tested games are fully patched and updated<\/li>\n<li>VSync is forced off in the control panel but this does not apply to 3D Vision as it is forced by the 3D drivers.<\/li>\n<li>Varying AA enabled including FXAA and FSAA; some settings downgraded or disabled to get the best 3D effect<\/li>\n<li>All results show average, minimum and maximum frame rates except as noted.<\/li>\n<li>Highest quality sound (stereo) used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before see how our PC performs with <em>Trine 2<\/em> and <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> with 3D Vision let&#8217;s unbox the ASUS LightBoost 27&#8243; display and the 3D Vision 2 glasses<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: 3D Vision 2 requirements--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Unboxing the ASUS 3D Vision Ready VG278H:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The 3D Vision\/ASUS Bundle comes in a large box containing the ASUS VG278 display and the 3D Vision wireless active shutter glasses Kit.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-box.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28062\" title=\"Asus27-box\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-box.jpg?resize=480%2C470\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-box.jpg?resize=480%2C470 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-box-300x293.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>As you can see, &#8220;LED Backlight&#8221; is touted along with 3D and 120Hz and it is clear that the ASUS VG278 is accompanied by the 3D Vision 2 glasses inside. 2ms &#8220;trace free&#8221; is the quoted specification from gray to gray. The precious contents is well packed for shipping and ours was double boxed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28066\" title=\"Contents-1st\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wellpak.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28063\" title=\"Asus27-wellpak\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wellpak.jpg?resize=480%2C214\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wellpak.jpg?resize=480%2C214 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wellpak-300x133.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Below we see everything out of the box and ready for the simple assembly.<a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Contents-1st.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28066\" title=\"Contents-1st\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Contents-1st.jpg?resize=480%2C311\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Contents-1st.jpg?resize=480%2C311 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Contents-1st-300x194.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The 3D Vision Kit is included with the ASUS VG278 display bundle.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28064\" title=\"base-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-1.jpg?resize=480%2C206\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-1.jpg?resize=480%2C206 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-1-300x129.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Putting the base and the stand together is a snap (literally, and a click), and then turn the screws to lock it down.You can see that the bottom stand is solid and heavy to provide stable support for the display.\u00a0 It also has a swivel so you can turn the display on its base.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28065\" title=\"base-2\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-2.jpg?resize=480%2C206\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-2.jpg?resize=480%2C206 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/base-2-300x129.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Below we see the Asus VG278 display next to the contents fully unpacked and almost ready to turn on.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wContents.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28068\" title=\"Asus27-wContents\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wContents.jpg?resize=480%2C442\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wContents.jpg?resize=480%2C442 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-wContents-300x276.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>There is no separate emitter; it is built into the top of the display and it is sufficient for multiple pairs of 3D Vision glasses.\u00a0 The built-in emitter even has the ability to tilt so as to fine tune communication with the active shutter glasses.<\/p>\n<p>The screen tilts back and forth, swivels on its base, as well as lowers and raises. You can easily rotate the stand on its base to pivot your screen in all usable planes and it would work well paired with two identical displays for Surround or 3D Vision Surround.\u00a0 The bezel is only about three-quarters of an inch wide.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-profile-high-vert-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28069\" title=\"Asus27-profile-high-vert-2\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-profile-high-vert-2.jpg?resize=199%2C449\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The ASUS 27&#8243; VG278 display uses a LED backlight so it is slightly thinner than the 23&#8243; ASUS VG236 display which is backlit by CCFL.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-profile-low-vert-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28070\" title=\"Asus27-profile-low-vert-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-profile-low-vert-1.jpg?resize=199%2C434\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This is a particularly good looking display.\u00a0 One of the best things that we like about it other than its size and brightness is that it is a matte finish &#8211; not glossy as with our other ASUS 23&#8243; VG236 display.\u00a0 It is a real advantage to use 3D Vision in a fairly well-lit room without having reflections on the screen to deal with.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-front.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28071\" title=\"Asus27-front\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-front.jpg?resize=480%2C453\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-front.jpg?resize=480%2C453 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-front-300x282.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Below we see it from the back.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-back.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28073\" title=\"Asus27-back\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-back.jpg?resize=480%2C464\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-back.jpg?resize=480%2C464 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Asus27-back-300x289.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The connector panel is underneath the display and it&#8217;s a bit difficult to access as is our older 23&#8243; ASUS display.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28074\" title=\"connnectors\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors.jpg?resize=480%2C53\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors.jpg?resize=480%2C53 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors-300x33.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Besides the power connector, we see HDMI 1.4a, HDMI and D-Sub.\u00a0 No DisplayPort.\u00a0 Make sure you use the supplied dual-link DVI cable which is mandatory to display 3D Vision or you can use the supplied HDMI 1.4a compliant-cable which has a full-sized HDMI connector on one end and a mini HDMI connector for GeForce cards on the other.\u00a0 Everything else is set up very similarly to the 23&#8243; ASUS VG236 that we reviewed earlier.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors-labeled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28132\" title=\"connnectors-labeled\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors-labeled.jpg?resize=480%2C145\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors-labeled.jpg?resize=480%2C145 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/connnectors-labeled-300x90.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>There is also a headphone connector and a stereo 3.5mm audio input for the stereo speakers that are built in.\u00a0 They are not impressive but do the job and are especially useful if you want to connect a portable device or BluRay player directly to the speaker inputs.\u00a0 A subwoofer is almost mandatory for movies although the treble and midrange is acceptable.<\/p>\n<p>The front panel controls are simple and easy to use and they are located along the bottom edge of the display&#8217;s bottom right corner.\u00a0 They are labeled by small icons printed on the edge of the front of the bezel and are buttons that are easy to feel by touch.\u00a0 Pressing a button brings up the easy to use on screen display with many options available.\u00a0 Besides the usual controls for color, contrast and brightness, are options to change the settings for LightBoost and the IR signal stength.<\/p>\n<p>The ASUS VG278 is an excellent 1080P 120Hz 3D Vision 2 ready display in all of it separate areas.\u00a0 It is an excellent fast-response 2D 120Hz display with good color accuracy.\u00a0 It&#8217;s LED backlight makes it perfect for a much brighter experience with 3D gaming and there is the awesome ability to tweak it further to nearly eliminate ghosting, thus making for a much more fatigue-free 3D experience.\u00a0 Its 27&#8243; is perfect for an immersive experience as bigger is better for 3D.<\/p>\n<p>Since the ASUS VG278 is a TN panel, it will never match the wide viewing angles and flawless color uniformity of a high end IPS panel like this editor&#8217;s thirty-inch HP PL 3065, for example.\u00a0 However, it is among the best TN screens that we have seen and it is perfect for fast paced shooters in 2D as well as for 2D Vision 2.\u00a0 There is minimal backlight bleed in our display, but this will of course vary from display to display.<\/p>\n<p>The ASUS VG278 is a beautiful display with a wonderful matte screen and our images do it little justice compared with seeing it live in 3D, in fast paced 120Hz 2D, and in person.<\/p>\n<p>We are already seeing the next generation 27&#8243; 120Hz LCDs that will not only support full 1080p gaming at 60fps using the 3D Vision built-in emitter, but they will also support the HDMI 1.4a standard which has the full 60fps at 720p and 24fps at 1080p.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/universal-display.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"universal-display\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/universal-display.jpg?resize=480%2C181\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Our 27&#8243; ASUS vg278 120Hz display is the new breed of 27&#8243; display that supports 3D Vision as well as S3D via HDMI 1.4<\/p>\n<p>Here are the specifications for the ASUS display from the <a href=\"http:\/\/bg.asus.com\/Display\/LCD_Monitors\/VG278H\/#specifications\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/bg.asus.com\/Display\/LCD_Monitors\/VG278H\/#specifications', 'ASUS web site']);\" >ASUS web site<\/a>:<\/p>\n<h3>Specifications<\/h3>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<colgroup>\n<col \/><\/colgroup>\n<colgroup>\n<col \/><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Display<\/td>\n<td><strong>Panel Size: <\/strong>Wide Screen 27.0&#8243;(68.6cm) 16:9<strong> True Resolution: <\/strong>1920&#215;1080<strong> Full HD 1080P: <\/strong>Yes<strong> Pixel Pitch: <\/strong>0.311mm<strong> Brightness(Max): <\/strong>300 cd\/? <strong>ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio (ASCR): <\/strong>50000000:1<strong>Viewing Angle (CR?10): <\/strong>170\u00b0(H)\/160\u00b0(V) <strong>Response Time: <\/strong>2ms (Gray to Gray)<strong> Display Colors: <\/strong>16.7M<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Video Feature<\/td>\n<td>Trace Free TechnologySPLENDID Video Intelligence Technology <strong>SPLENDID Video Preset Modes: <\/strong>6 Modes (sRGB Mode\/Scenery Mode\/Theater Mode\/Standard Mode\/Night View Mode\/Game Mode)<strong> Skin-Tone Selection: <\/strong>3 Modes<strong> Color Temperature Selection:<\/strong>4 Modes HDCP support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Audio Features<\/td>\n<td><strong>Stereo Speakers:<\/strong> 3W x 2 Stereo RMS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Convenient Hotkey<\/td>\n<td>SPLENDID Video Preset Mode Selection Auto. Adjustment Brightness Adjustment Contrast Adjustment Input Selection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I\/O Ports<\/td>\n<td><strong>Signal Input: <\/strong>HDMI , D-Sub, Dual-link DVI-D (support NVIDIA 3D Vision) <strong>PC Audio Input:<\/strong> 3.5mm Mini-Jack<strong> AV Audio Input: <\/strong>HDMI 1.4<strong> Audio Output:<\/strong> HDMI 1.4<strong> Earphone jack:<\/strong> 3.5mm Mini-Jack<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Signal Frequency<\/td>\n<td><strong>Analog Signal Frequency: <\/strong>24~140 KHz(H)\/ 50~122 Hz(V)<strong> Digital Signal Frequency:<\/strong> 24~83 KHz(H)\/ 50~85 Hz(V)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Power Consumption<\/td>\n<td>Power On &lt; 65W Power Saving Mode &lt; 1W Power Off Mode &lt; 1W<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mechanical Design<\/td>\n<td><strong>Chassis Colors:<\/strong> Black <strong>Tilt:<\/strong>+15\u00b0~-5\u00b0<strong> Swivel: <\/strong>Yes<strong> Height Adjustment:<\/strong> Yes<strong> VESA Wall Mounting:<\/strong> 100x100mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Security<\/td>\n<td>Kensington lock<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dimensions<\/td>\n<td>Phys. Dimension (WxHxD): 643x460x220mm Box Dimension(WxHxD): 732x560x176mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Weight<\/td>\n<td>Net Weight (Esti.): 8 kg Gross Weight (Esti.): 10 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Accessories<\/td>\n<td>Dual-link DVI cable VGA cable Audio cable Power cord Quick start guide Warranty Card Nvidia 3D Vision Kit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Regulation Approval<\/td>\n<td>Energy Star\u00ae, ErP, UL\/cUL, CB, CE, FCC, CCC, BSMI, Gost-R, C-Tick, VCCI, J-MOSS, PSB, RoHS, WEEE, Windows 7 WHQL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>120Hz displays are particularly well-suited for fast-paced shooters and playing these games on a 120Hz display versus playing on a 60Hz display is almost like playing a different game. With a 120Hz display, you are getting every single frame at or below 120fps drawn to the display. At that high of a response rate, flicker is gone. The result is a similar kind of, \u2018once you\u2019ve experienced it, you can\u2019t go back\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>The 3D Vision 2 Glasses<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Packed with the ASUS VG278 display are the 3D Vision 2 glasses.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28076\" title=\"Glasses2-box-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-1.jpg?resize=480%2C270\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-1.jpg?resize=480%2C270 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The box tells you what you need for 3D Vision and what&#8217;s included in the box.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28077\" title=\"Glasses2-box-2\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-2.jpg?resize=480%2C251\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-2.jpg?resize=480%2C251 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-box-2-300x156.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>So far, we find 3D Vision 2 to be an incredibly immersive experience &#8211; a solid improvement over the original.\u00a0 Below are the contents of the box &#8211; the glasses, 2 extra nose pieces, the charging cable, a pouch that serves as a cleaning cloth and the 3D Vision 2 booklet.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-contents-last.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28078\" title=\"Glasses2-contents-last\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-contents-last.jpg?resize=480%2C358\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-contents-last.jpg?resize=480%2C358 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Glasses2-contents-last-300x223.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><strong>The 3D Vision active shutter glasses<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nvidia&#8217;s 3D Vision 2 glasses are reasonably stylish and one could wear them outside in public although it is not a good idea as direct sunlight is harmful for the liquid crystal display nor do they provide any UV protection. The 3D Vision 2 glasses also have a protective mechanism and the lenses will darken and lighten rapidly when you are not gaming in 3D to remind you to take them off.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em><\/em><\/strong>All of the electronics are located on the inner left side on the glasses and it appears to add no weight at all. The wireless glasses do not require a wire connection although the wired set of the original 3D Vision glasses do.<\/p>\n<p>The wireless glasses are powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery and they will hold a charge for about 60 hours. The wireless glasses receive their synchronization signal from the IR transmitter built into the ASUS display and you may have an unlimited number of glasses receiving the same signal from a single emitter.\u00a0 The glasses must be located in direct view of the transmitter or the glass will not function; blink and eventually turn off.<\/p>\n<p>An on-off button and a Power Battery indicator are located on the left side of the 3D Vision 2 Glasses frame; a bit more inconvenient to press than the older glasses.. The glasses will shut down automatically after a few minutes of being idle and out of contact with the emitter. The lenses blink in order to remind you that you should take them off, and an LED also blinks red when the battery is low; it is amber when being charged via the USB cable.<\/p>\n<p>A standard USB connector is included with the kit and is used for recharging the battery. It takes about 3 hours from discharged to fully charged. There were no comfort issues for this editor or any of his 20 guests; even those who wore them over prescription eyeglasses. All of the guests agreed that the glasses were quite comfortable and the guests who tried both the older glasses and the newer glasses, liked the newer ones better.<\/p>\n<p>These glasses can fit most faces because of the 3 different-sized nose pads that are included with the 3D Vision 2 kit. This editor found no advantages to wearing contact lenses instead of prescription eyeglasses with the Nvidia 3D Vision glasses as long as all of the lenses were spotlessly clean.<\/p>\n<p>3D Vision 2 is compatible with Nvidia&#8217;s video cards, starting from the 8800 GT and 9600 GT, and including the GTX 200\/400 and 500 series of cards. Dual-GPU video cards are also supported including SLI configurations with two or more cards. However, you do not want to use entry-level cards because the load on them is approximately twice what it is for 2D gaming.<\/p>\n<p>Well, we know why 3D Vision 2 is improved over the original, we have unboxed the ASUS VG278 and the active shutter glasses, let&#8217;s see how <em>Trine 2<\/em> and <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> benefit from the improvements.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Unboxing the ASUS VG278 Bundle--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>GAMING with 3D Vision 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Limitations of PC games affecting 3D Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are limitations to some PC games that will affect the 3D appearance of some objects in the game in relation to others. For example, some effects may be rendered without full 3D information; common are heads-up displays (HUDs) or crosshair sights for targeting. If this happens, items like these will appear at the wrong depth relative to other items in the game and it can be quite disconcerting and\/or distracting. This does happen in many games and it is generally best to turn off Post Processing and Motion Blur with 3D Vision.<\/p>\n<p>In some of these cases, the game&#8217;s graphics effects can be disabled or minimized to work around these issues, and Nvidia&#8217;s 3D Vision GeForce driver usually supplies its own crosshair sight for these cases. To help 3D Vision users, Nvidia pre-defines six levels of game compatibility with 3D Vision and it pops up in hundreds of games as an green overlay that may be disabled or enabled by ctrl+alt+ins.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>3D Vision Ready<\/li>\n<li>Excellent<\/li>\n<li>Good<\/li>\n<li>Fair<\/li>\n<li>Poor<\/li>\n<li>Not Recommended<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are more than a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nvidia.com\/object\/3d-vision-games.html\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.nvidia.com\/object\/3d-vision-games.html', 'dozen games']);\" >dozen games<\/a> plus a few demos that are certified as 3D Vision Ready &#8211; the best ones that this editor have played so far are <em>Trine 2, Batman: Arkham City, Crysis 2, <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/duke-nukem-forever-in-3d-review\">Duke Nukem Forever<\/a>, Batman Arkham Asylum<\/em> and <em>Mafia II<\/em>. We also played <em>Alice: Madness Returns<\/em> from start to finish with 3D Vision and reviewed it <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/platformer-madness-alice-returns-in-3d-with-physx\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The majority of the 80-plus games that ABT has tested fall into the Excellent and Good categories &#8211; one outstanding game being <em>Just Cause 2<\/em> which gets an excellent rating from Nvidia; especially for the breathtaking panoramic super-widescreen aerial views over Panau. <em>Dungeon Siege III<\/em>, although not a great game, also gets an excellent from this editor and Nvidia for one of the best-looking top-down RPG-type representations of S3D. And <em>Duke Nukem Forever<\/em>, perhaps unfairly panned by the critics, is another 3D Vision Ready game that works great in 3D Vision and also 3D Vision Surround to increase immersion many fold.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the best part of the 3D experience in <em>Alice: Madness Returns, <\/em>for example<em>, <\/em>centers around the incredible detail in each level. You get to experience Alice&#8217;s double and triple jumps that generate flowers and butterflies that fly off deep into the screen; her dodging animations look great in 3D &#8211; even dying and disintegrating into butterflies takes away some of the sting of having to restart from a checkpoint. With each different and changing level, objects continue to move interestingly in a 3-dimensional space. Also, PhysX effects are rendered particularly well with 3D Vision.\u00a0 And if this is true with <em>Alice: Madness Returns<\/em>, it is far more intense with <em>Trine 2<\/em> which was created with S3D and particularly 3D Vision in mind.<\/p>\n<p>We are going to focus particularly on two relatively new games whose stories coincidentally both deal with deadly sibling rivalry &#8211; <em>Batman: Arkham City <\/em>and<em> Trine 2<\/em>.\u00a0 <em>Batman: Arkham City <\/em>was rated &#8220;Good&#8221; (now &#8220;3D Vision Ready&#8221; with the latest beta drivers 290.53) and<em> Trine 2<\/em> is rated 3D Vision &#8220;Ready&#8221; by Nvidia.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-SiblingRivalry1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28180\" title=\"batman-SiblingRivalry\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-SiblingRivalry1.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-SiblingRivalry1.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-SiblingRivalry1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-SiblingRivalry1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Notice any similarities?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2_SiblingRivalry1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28164\" title=\"trine2_SiblingRivalry\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2_SiblingRivalry1.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2_SiblingRivalry1.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2_SiblingRivalry1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2_SiblingRivalry1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Let&#8217;s look at <em>Trine 2<\/em> first.<br \/>\n<!--pagetitle: Gaming with 3D Vision 2--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Trine 2<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Trine 2<\/em> was released last month by indie Finnish developer, Frostbye, as the follow-up to their 2009 fantasy-platformer, <em>Trine<\/em>.\u00a0 The original sold over a million copies as it featured beautiful graphics and a fun three-player cooperative mode.\u00a0 The new sequel also features improved three-player coop that allows PC gamers to play against console and Mac gamers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3amigos.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28181\" title=\"trine2-3amigos\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3amigos.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3amigos.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3amigos-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3amigos.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Here are the three classes you get to play with &#8211; Wizard, Thief and Knight.\u00a0 If you choose single player, you can switch between them effortlessly and instantly as they are bound to each other by the mysterious Trine.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-magi.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28182\" title=\"trine2-magi\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-magi.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-magi.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-magi-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-magi.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The\u00a0Wizard found sleeping in his bedroom in the introduction is weak in battle but can conjure planks and boxes (for the player to stand and walk across on) and levitate object and eventually enemies.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-thief.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28183\" title=\"trine2-thief\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-thief.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-thief.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-thief-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-thief.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The Thief &#8211; or &#8220;entrepreneur&#8221;, as she likes to be called &#8211; can sneak past enemies after leveling up and has the ability to shoot arrows and cross by means of a grapple that affixes to wood and allows the player to rappel across chasms the other players cannot.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-tank.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28184\" title=\"trine2-tank\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-tank.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-tank.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-tank-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-tank.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The Knight is of course the first choice for battling enemy NPCs\u00a0 He carries a sword and defends himself with a shield.\u00a0 Leveling up allows him to carry a hammer and eventually throw it with good effect against the breakable elements of the environment as well as against enemies.<\/p>\n<p>The Knight is often the first choice for battle although he is not nimble like the Thief, nor does he possess magic like the Wizard.\u00a0 The mysterious Trine that appears mostly in cutscenes is what allows the single player to switch between the three adventurers to progress. There are many puzzles, traps and pitfalls of this beautifully rendered side-scrolling platformer that requires the player to switch between the three adventurers to be victorious against the many NPCs and the bosses they will have to face.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-trine.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28185\" title=\"trine2-trine\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-trine.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-trine.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-trine-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-trine.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Some of the puzzles are quite obvious while others require some thought.\u00a0 Here is an immobile frog that you will have to pass by dropping fruit and timing your jump to the outstretched tongue and over and past him.\u00a0 Timing is essential.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out5-frogfruit.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28186\" title=\"trine2-out5-frogfruit\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out5-frogfruit.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out5-frogfruit.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out5-frogfruit-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out5-frogfruit.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><em>Trine 2<\/em>&#8216;s story is nothing special.\u00a0 Like Batman, it deals with the terrible effects of sibling rivalry taken to insane levels.\u00a0 It is very much in the manner of a light fairy tale but the incredibly varied and beautiful level design, artwork and graphics lead the player on much as a beautifully illustrated storybook does for children.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28187\" title=\"trine2-out3\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out3.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out3.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out3.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The player wants to pass a scene just to see what lies ahead.\u00a0 And it is possible to play this game in Surround mode although there is a bit of stretching.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-WS.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28188\" title=\"trine2-WS\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-WS.jpg?resize=300%2C56\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-WS.jpg?resize=300%2C56 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-WS-1024x192.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The outdoor scenes are well-lighted and the fantasy settings are the backdrop for beautiful graphics art.\u00a0 The player will find themselves repeating the mechanism for traveling over-and-over, such as riding bubbles, without getting tired of the game because of the fantastic art and level design.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out6-bubbles.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28189\" title=\"trine2-out6-bubbles\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out6-bubbles.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out6-bubbles.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out6-bubbles-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out6-bubbles.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Much as in a children&#8217;s fairy tale, there are poems to be found and art to collect.\u00a0 There are many hidden areas that at first seem impossible to reach.\u00a0 The physics implemented in this game is also top notch and is an integral part of solving puzzles.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-collectpoem.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28190\" title=\"trine2-out8-collectpoem\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-collectpoem.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-collectpoem.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-collectpoem-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-collectpoem.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The journey is itself the adventure and there is much enjoyment to be had by figuring out how to complete a puzzle or reach a nearly inaccessible area to progress.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-getacross.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28191\" title=\"trine2-out8-getacross\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-getacross.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-getacross.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-getacross-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-getacross.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>As the player progresses, and by defeating enemies, one is treated to the &#8220;Level Up&#8221; message in the upper right corner of the screen, where either the Wizard, the Thief or the Knight will be able to upgrade a single skill.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-levelup.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28192\" title=\"trine2-out8-levelup\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-levelup.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-levelup.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-levelup-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out8-levelup.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The bosses are a lot of fun and some of them are invulnerable to attack by the player &#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragon.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28193\" title=\"trine2-room3-dragon\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragon.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragon.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragon.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>&#8230; so you will have to lure them into environmental traps.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragonend.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28194\" title=\"trine2-room3-dragonend\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragonend.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragonend.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragonend-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room3-dragonend.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>But most of the time, the player will be timing their jumps and enjoying the fantastic scenery.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out9-getacross.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28195\" title=\"trine2-out9-getacross\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out9-getacross.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out9-getacross.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out9-getacross-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out9-getacross.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Riding bubbles and steam pipes that the player has to assemble or activate makes this game a true platformer.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room10-steampipe.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28196\" title=\"trine2-room10-steampipe\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room10-steampipe.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room10-steampipe.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room10-steampipe-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room10-steampipe.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>And of course, jumping pads are mandatory.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10-jumpingpad.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28197\" title=\"trine2-out10-jumpingpad\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10-jumpingpad.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10-jumpingpad.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10-jumpingpad-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10-jumpingpad.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>There is also a lot of humor to be found in the game which breaks up the monotony of the narration.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-snoman.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28198\" title=\"trine2-snoman\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-snoman.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-snoman.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-snoman-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-snoman.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>And more bosses to defeat.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room7-boss.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28199\" title=\"trine2-room7-boss\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room7-boss.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room7-boss.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room7-boss-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-room7-boss.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>You finally learn the purpose of your adventure, who the enemy is and why, and have a big fight.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-bigbos.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28200\" title=\"trine2-bigbos\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-bigbos.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-bigbos.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-bigbos-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-bigbos.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>We won&#8217;t spoil it but &#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-the-end.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28201\" title=\"trine2-the-end\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-the-end-300x168.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-the-end-300x168.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-the-end-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-the-end.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>&#8230; there is a satisfying ending and you will be able to start over with all of your upgrades in tact and of course may have a coop adventure with family or friends and also online.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28202\" title=\"trine2-out10\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-out10.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><strong>3D Vision 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Frozenbyte has taken <em>Trine 2<\/em>&#8216;s stylized graphics to a new high level that gives even the most powerful PCs systems a workout when using the highest possible settings and stereoscopic 3D Vision effects.<\/p>\n<p>There are five settings that affect performance and we played on the highest level because there is little performance difference between them with the fast video cards that were used in our evaluation while there is a real difference in the visuals.\u00a0 The real performance impact comes from Anti-Aliasing.<\/p>\n<p>We used maxed out settings plus FXAA to play with 3D Vision 2 as the performance impact was minimal and the mild blurring is not as evident in S3D as it is in 2D.<\/p>\n<p><strong>FXAA and SSAA<\/strong><br \/>\nFast Approximate Anti-Aliasing (FXAA) is a NVIDIA-developed post-processing technique that selectively blurs the in-game graphics to minimize jagged edges and high-contrast pixel deviation. It is becoming popular in new games due to its low performance impact and its ability to anti-alias transparent textures and details. FXAA is highly recommended for low-end and mid-range systems and also for 3D Vision.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-optFXAAmed.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28208\" title=\"trine2-optFXAAmed\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-optFXAAmed.jpg?resize=461%2C312\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-optFXAAmed.jpg?resize=461%2C312 658w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-optFXAAmed-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Some gamers prefer the sharpness of a scene and dislike the blur effect that FXAA applies to minimize aliasing.\u00a0 Nvidia recommends to disable FXAA in Trine 2, open %APPDATA%\/Trine2\/options.txt and change setOption(renderingModule, &#8220;PostProcessAntiAliasing&#8221;, true) to setOption(renderingModule, &#8220;PostProcessAntiAliasing&#8221;, false).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-fxaaplus2xssaa.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28209\" title=\"Trine2-fxaaplus2xssaa\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-fxaaplus2xssaa.jpg?resize=460%2C310\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-fxaaplus2xssaa.jpg?resize=460%2C310 657w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-fxaaplus2xssaa-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Supersampling Anti-Aliasing (SSAA) is a high-impact, high-quality technique that improves image quality and sharpness, and rectify sub-pixel errors by rendering extra detail per pixel of screen data and then downscaling the image back to the chosen resolution. Normally, Multisample Anti-Aliasing (MSAA) would be the counterpart to FXAA instead of SSAA because of Multisample&#8217;s smaller performance hit, but it can&#8217;t be used in Trine 2 due to its rendering method.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-EXTREME4xssaa1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28211\" title=\"Trine2-EXTREME4xssaa\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-EXTREME4xssaa1.jpg?resize=460%2C310\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-EXTREME4xssaa1.jpg?resize=460%2C310 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Trine2-EXTREME4xssaa1-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The Very High Anti-Aliasing option (not shown) also applies both FXAA and SSAA techniques simultaneously to maximize image quality. Be warned, this is extremely demanding and therefore only suitable for the fastest GPUs. For example, at 1920&#215;1080:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2xSSAA will render a 2550&#215;1430 image, apply FXAA and scale the image back down to 1920&#215;1080.<\/li>\n<li>3xSSAA will render a 3180&#215;1790 image, apply FXAA and scale the image back down to 1920&#215;1080.<\/li>\n<li>4xSSAA will render a 3840&#215;2160 image, apply FXAA and scale the image back down to 1920&#215;1080.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Using 4xSSAA+FXAA with 3D Vision at 1080P brings the GTX 580 to a crawl and is probably best suited for multi-GPU.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Trine 2<\/em> is GPU-limited which means that your CPU will have little impact on your performance as long as it is capable. The minimum required graphics card for this game is a GeForce 7600; the 8800\/9800 can expect to play at Medium to High settings when AA is disabled.<\/p>\n<p>Using Very High graphics detail levels for all testing, the stock GeForce GTX 570 video card <strong>averaged around 80<\/strong> frames per second with 1 character on-screen using the High AA setting (FXAA+2xSSAA) and <strong>31 fps with 3D Vision<\/strong> enabled. With Very High AA setting (FXAA+3xSSAA), framerates dropped to around <strong>55<\/strong> frames per second and <strong>24 fps with 3D Vision<\/strong>. \u00a0 Extreme AA setting (FXAA+4xSSAA) could only <strong>average 38 fps<\/strong>, and <strong>17.5 fps with 3D Vision<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Generally we played with Very high graphics detail and usually Medium AA (FXAA) since 3D Vision does extract a serious penalty when playing with SSAA enabled.\u00a0 Playing with a GTX 570 at<strong> Very high details and Medium AA (FXAA only), we easily hit our framerate cap of 100 fps<\/strong> but <strong>with 3D Vision 2 enabled, we averaged 50 fps<\/strong> and the experience was fluid.\u00a0 We saved Very high details and High AA for the GTX 580.\u00a0 FXAA only took about a ten performance hit over no AA at all.<\/p>\n<p>However, when playing with the VSync option enabled (in 2D), framerates are limited to 60 and it also enables Triple Buffering to counteract input lag.\u00a0 It will also eliminate tearing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3D Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Out of the box,\u00a0 <em>Trine 2<\/em> includes stereoscopic S3D support for 3D Vision and it is rated &#8220;3D Vision Ready&#8221; which means it has Nvidia&#8217;s approval as one of the top games which supports it.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3dsettings.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28204\" title=\"trine2-3dsettings\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3dsettings.jpg?resize=491%2C277\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3dsettings.jpg?resize=491%2C277 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3dsettings-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/trine2-3dsettings.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>When the player loads the interactive main menu in 3D Vision,\u00a0 all elements appear properly paced in the foreground and background in their own respective depth layers.\u00a0 Entering the game, the effects and details move about in perfect relation to each other which enhances the game\u2019s spectacular graphics.<\/p>\n<p>The only 3D Vision shortcut supported in-game is the 3D Vision On-Off toggle (Ctrl+T). \u00a0 Hitting Escape allows the player to get back to the in-game Visual Settings menu, where Brightness, Separation, Convergence and UI Depth can be adjusted or reset to Default.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Trine 2<\/em> is a exceptional platformer\/puzzle game that will keep the entire family entertained, and the children can enjoy playing with the adults together in Co-op or over the Internet.\u00a0 The graphics are amazing and enhanced further by 3D Vision 2.\u00a0 The story is light but the level design and artwork beckons the player onward, and solving the puzzles &#8211; alone or cooperatively &#8211; brings a lot of satisfaction.\u00a0 And there is replayability for those who want to get all of the game&#8217;s secrets.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Trine 2<\/em> is a solid 8<\/strong> and <strong>8.5 enhanced by 3D Vision<\/strong>.\u00a0 It is not expensive at $15 and has been on sale recently.\u00a0 It is a lot of fun and highly recommended.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s move on to <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> where the 3D effects are supposed to enhance gliding and aiming.<br \/>\n<!--pagetitle: Trine2--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Batman: Arkham City<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em>\u00a0is an extraordinary game with a deep story with superb voice acting.\u00a0 The Hollywood actors in the upcoming Batman movie voice their roles perfectly and with great emotion.\u00a0 It is an exceptional game that can be approached by many different styles of play and its DX11 visuals are the current state of the art for the Unreal engine.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-BMcatw-moon.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28165\" title=\"batman-BMcatw-moon\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-BMcatw-moon.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-BMcatw-moon.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-BMcatw-moon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-BMcatw-moon.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Batman is a love story and also the story of Cain and Abel.\u00a0 It explores insanity and the duality of human nature &#8211; good and evil.\u00a0 The bosses are also the bosses from the Batman comics and they are satisfying to battle.\u00a0 But it is also a kick-ass fighting game where special moves and combos can be chained with devastating and satisfying effect on the NPCs and bosses &#8211; or it can be approached from a pure button-mashing method.\u00a0 Strategy is necessary however to take down armed opponents.<\/p>\n<p>Arkham City is a semi-open world that can be explored in any direction the player wishes although the storyline is relatively linear.\u00a0 You follow the compass to complete your goal and then on to the next challenge.\u00a0 There are many hours of play in the side quests and in acquiring Riddler Trophies, and with completing the challenges without even touching the main storyline which is by itself more than a dozen hours long.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-challengeG.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28166\" title=\"BatmanAC-challengeG\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-challengeG.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-challengeG.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-challengeG-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-challengeG.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><em>Batman: Arkham Asylum<\/em> was the first game we ever played with 3D Vision.\u00a0 It is rated 3D Vision &#8220;Ready&#8221; &#8211; Nvidia&#8217;s highest standard for 3D PC games. Surprisingly, <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> was only rated &#8220;good&#8221; originally by Nvidia for 3D Vision.\u00a0 However, it responded well to tweaking, and long gaming sessions in 3D are the norm &#8211; much longer with 3D Vision 2 than with the original and 3D Vision (1).<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the DX11 patch helped performance but perhaps worsened the 3D experience.\u00a0 The issues with 3D Vision were with some objects rendering at the wrong depth and lens flares were especially annoying at times.\u00a0 The DX11 patch addressed performance issues with 64-bit operating systems but seemed to introduce some additional issues with 3D vision also.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately the latest beta GeForce 290.53 drivers have elevated the game from &#8220;Good&#8221; to 3D Vision &#8220;Ready&#8221; although we still play with Motion Blur, Off and with everything else set to DX11&#8217;s &#8220;extreme&#8221; setting.\u00a0 Lens Flares are optional and make almost no performance difference.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-options.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28212\" title=\"batman-options\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-options.jpg?resize=480%2C347\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-options.jpg?resize=480%2C347 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-options-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>We followed the green on screen prompts that are overlaid over every game that Nvidia has tested with 3D Vision. Generally, Motion Blur is turned off for the best 3D Vision experiences and FXAA on high does not have the performance hit that MSAA takes in <em>Batman<\/em>.<a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-3Dmodel.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28167\" title=\"Batman-3Dmodel\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-3Dmodel.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-3Dmodel.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-3Dmodel-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Batman-3Dmodel.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Upon playing\u00a0<em>Batman<\/em> in 3D Vision for the first time, we were totally impressed by the stunning 3D effects and nearly flicker-free images with only a hint of ghosting that was quickly minimized by the hot keys and by adjusting the convergence.\u00a0 The 3D effect is especially extraordinary when gliding about the city and looking for targets to drop down on.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28215\" title=\"GLIDEKICK-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-11.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-11.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-11-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-11.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><em>Batman<\/em> is a dark game, but the original 3D Vision makes it about 30% darker.\u00a0 There are no such issues with LightBoost and 3D Vision 2 glasses.\u00a0 We compensated easily with the gamma and our screen&#8217;s brightness to make it nearly as light as in 2D and without washing out colors which were perfectly rendered with no color shifting at all. Color is just as accurate with the 3D Vision glasses as without them.\u00a0 We also lowered the brightness and lost some of the color ghosting whichs make the player fatigued.<\/p>\n<p>The cut scenes of <em>Batman<\/em> appear to reach deep into the screen with only a few situations where objects projected out of the screen. At first, we played with the depth relatively low, then experimented in later playing sessions with increasing depth until ghosting starts to occur. Then the hot keys are used by fixing an an element in the near field and adjusted until the object no longer has an edge bleed and the ghosting nearly disappears.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28216\" title=\"GLIDEKICK-2\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-2.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-2.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The sense of immersion increased by playing <em>Batma<\/em>n with 3D Vision 2, and this time it was a bit easier to actually play the game in 3D over 2D because of the advantage to aim more precisely in 3D by being able to judge depth more accurately.\u00a0 This is the first time that this editor has consistently encountered this mechanism in any game and it is a great plus and hopefully will be the future of 3D implementation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28217\" title=\"GLIDEKICK-3\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-3.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-3.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-3.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> brings another great chapter of the Batman Saga to life. We will make it a DX11 part of our ABT benching suite immediately to replace <em>Batman: Arkham Asylum<\/em>. Both games feature quality built-in benchmarks that we have compared to actual framerates that we encounter in-game so as to relate the benchmark to playing the game.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-start.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28168\" title=\"BatmanAC-start\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-start.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-start.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-start-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-start.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> builds upon the foundation of <em>Batman: Arkham Asylum<\/em> as it sends players into Arkham City, the new maximum security prison for all of Gotham City&#8217;s thugs and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a large district in Gotham City, the sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a cast of classic characters and villains from the Batman universe, as well as new and enhanced gameplay features which include playing as Catwoman.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28169\" title=\"BatmanAC-2catwoman2\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman2.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman2.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> features a new cinematic story, written by five-time Emmy award winner Paul Dini set within an interesting and unique environments that is playable in DirectX 11 with advanced lighting and shadow features as well as tessellation. PhysX and 3D Vision are added features for GeForce owners to add to the immersion of the game and to the overall experience.<\/p>\n<p>We agree with our web master that this game is absolutely top notch and worth calling in sick from work for. He calls it a perfect mix of story-driven and semi-open world with spectacular fighting combos that can be chained for devastating results. You will need at least a couple of days off of work to finish this game. Let&#8217;s take a look at the story and the game play before we preview the new DX11 features as well as PhysX and 3D Vision<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Next page...\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-includes\/js\/tinymce\/plugins\/wordpress\/img\/trans.gif?w=720\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Story<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> begins 18 months after the events of <em>Batman: Arkham Asylum<\/em>. Quincy Sharp, the former warden of Arkham Asylum, was elected the Mayor of Gotham City. He clamped down on crime and overhauled Gotham City&#8217;s prison system, closing the Asylum. Mayor Sharp ordered that a derelict district of Gotham City be totally walled off from the rest of the city and heavily fortified. He ordered all of the city&#8217;s criminals and madmen to be transferred into this new, urban mega-prison &#8211; Arkham City.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-boss-penguin.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28170\" title=\"BatmanAC-boss-penguin\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-boss-penguin.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-boss-penguin.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-boss-penguin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-boss-penguin.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Batman believes that this is a terrible idea and that Arkham City is about to explode out onto the streets of Gotham. He is right and you have a new massive challenge to undertake.\u00a0 Many of the important characters in the Batman universe are in the game and they usually represent special boss challenges such as the Penguin and his cohorts.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Gameplay<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Batman is not super-human and he cannot take on armed NPCs directly. Even with his custom armor, multiple gunshot wounds will quickly end his crime-fighting career. As Batman or Catwoman, the player will need to adopt tactics depending on which enemies they are facing.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-finish-fight.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28171\" title=\"BatmanAC-finish-fight\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-finish-fight.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-finish-fight.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-finish-fight-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-finish-fight.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>As in the original game, it is always wise to survey your surroundings and plan out your attack beforehand. Use the rooftops and vantage points to move around silently. As in the Asylum, Batman can drop down behind a thug and perform Takedowns including performing a Knockout Smash as an instant finishing move to clear rooms quickly.\u00a0 Probably one of the most satisfying elements of the game is the ability to chain ten combo attacks together for a devastating way to clean out an entire room.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes it is easier to use the environment to perform the many varieties of takedowns. This can include smashing through floor grates or weak wooden walls and grabbing enemies. You will earn XP bonuses for using a variety of takedowns and you can earn multiple bonuses for taking out enemies in different manners.\u00a0 Leveling up earns the player a chance to unlock gadgets or fighting combos as they progress.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>SURVEILLANCE<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Batman&#8217;s cowl has an advanced communications system built-into it which allows him to communicate with Alfred or other allies, eavesdrop on phone calls, or enter Detective Mode. One of the most useful features of the cowl is called Local Surveillance.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/BatmanArkhamCity_222_detect.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"BatmanArkhamCity_222_detect\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/BatmanArkhamCity_222_detect.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The cowl automatically scans the surrounding area for relevant noises or trouble spots. Upon identifying an important conversation, the audio is delivered directly to Batman and displayed on the HUD. Surveillance can be followed up by initiating Detective mode with a further pop-up. Local Surveillance is useful to locate thugs or political prisoners and to stay up on gossip and tips.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-DET.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28218\" title=\"GLIDEKICK-DET\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-DET.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-DET.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-DET-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/GLIDEKICK-DET.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Batman&#8217;s entire costume is a mobile arsenal of high-tech gadgets and forensic equipment. A benefit of being fabulously wealthy is that Batman can also upgrade his skills and gadgets after acquiring enough XP.\u00a0 Catwoman can also benefit by upgrading her weapons and she has her own &#8220;thief vision&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-thiefvis.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28172\" title=\"BatmanAC-2catwoman-thiefvis\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-thiefvis.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-thiefvis.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-thiefvis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-thiefvis.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Side Missions &amp; Playing as Catwoman<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There are 12 main side missions in <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em>. Some side missions are available early in the campaign, but more unlock as you progress. There are also a variety of Riddler challenges that will prove once and for all who is smarter. There are also political prisoners to save and Challenge Rooms to clear that were also created by the Riddler.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-catwoman2face.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28173\" title=\"BatmanAC-catwoman2face\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-catwoman2face.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-catwoman2face.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-catwoman2face-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-catwoman2face.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Catwoman was recently incarcerated inside Arkham City where she may be hunting down Two-Face for her own reasons<strong>. <\/strong>Her style is markedly different than Batman&#8217;s. While Batman uses expensive gadgets and ziplines to get around Arkham City, Catwoman uses her whip to swing from point to point, in addition to using the claws in her gloves for the grip needed to scale buildings.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-climb.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28174\" title=\"BatmanAC-2catwoman-climb\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-climb.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-climb.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-climb-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-climb.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Catwoman is also a master of stealth and can fix onto any mesh ceiling which gives her the ability to travel above the heads of her foes. Catwoman can even drop down on foes from above and take them out with a Takedown before returning to the ceiling to escape. Every surface may provide a tactical advantage for her and a player can become quite creative.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-bolas.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28175\" title=\"BatmanAC-2catwoman-bolas\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-bolas.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-bolas.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-bolas-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-bolas.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Catwoman&#8217;s arsenal includes pouncing, using her trademark whip, and bolas. If the mob is too large, she uses<strong><\/strong> caltrops. Caltrops are small spikes that can be used to keep enemies away or to isolate an enemy in combat. They can even be used during combat.\u00a0 And her skills will be needed to battle her own boss fights.<\/p>\n<div id=\"tiplist\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-poisoniv.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28176\" title=\"BatmanAC-2catwoman-poisoniv\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-poisoniv.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-poisoniv.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-poisoniv-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/BatmanAC-2catwoman-poisoniv.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>There is a lot of varied gameplay and moves to learn playing as Batman or Catwoman. And the game is definitely enhanced by PhysX, DX11 effects and 3D Vision.\u00a0 PhysX efffects include ice debris particles that shoot from the Freeze Gun and shattering ice from Freeze Grenades as well as sparks and interactive smoke. Breakable glass is another noticeable feature as are debris and steam &#8211; this all adds to the game&#8217;s atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Catwoman_money_distance.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Catwoman_money_distance\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Catwoman_money_distance.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>With PhysX enabled and set to \u201cHigh\u201d, the money littering the floor in the vault reacts to character and weapon movement in real-time.\u00a0 It works very well together with 3D Vision to increase the player&#8217;s immersion.\u00a0 It is highly recommended that a player use a dedicated GeForce video card together with their primary card just to experience the PhysX effects on high as even a GTX 580 will have some performance issues if it tries to do everything at high detail and high resolution.<\/p>\n<p>FXAA is a shader based image filter developed by Nvidia which reduces visible aliasing. It is applied along with other post processing steps like motion blur and bloom. For game engines making use of deferred shading, FXAA provides for less of a performance and memory hit over using deferred shading with MSAA. Not only does FXAA cost less in terms of a performance hit, but the visual difference is very clear over not using it at all.\u00a0 It is probably the preferred method of reducing visible aliasing with 3D Vision.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Tessellation in Batman: Arkham City<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> offers support for DirectX 11 tessellation which is a good way to increase the level of detail in a scene.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Catwoman_Vine_TessON.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Catwoman_Vine_TessON\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Catwoman_Vine_TessON.jpg?resize=538%2C302\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Look very carefully at the tessellation on the vine set to &#8220;high&#8221; (no, not <em>there!<\/em> &#8211; at the vine <em>below<\/em>) and compare the three levels of tessellation from left to right: none, normal and high.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Tess-off-normal-high.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Tess-off-normal-high\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Tess-off-normal-high.jpg?resize=539%2C291\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Since Epic added support for DX11 tessellation to the Unreal Engine, Rocksteady also used DX11 tessellation in <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> for displacement mapping and smoothing on characters and environments. Displacement mapping adds fine geometric detail to a mesh using data sourced from textures. This means the artist can more easily set up complex displacement-mapping effects, such as animations.<\/p>\n<p>Mesh smoothing adds tessellated triangles to break up harsh angular outlines. The technique used in B<em>atman: Arkham City<\/em> is based on a watertight variant of PN triangles and it is applied on objects which should appear sinuous or organic, such as power cables, pipes and trees.<\/p>\n<p>Of course there are many other DX11 tessellation points of interest in <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> including, Virtual Dicing, Mip-Mapping, Multi View Soft Shadows (MVSS), and Horizon-Based Ambient Occlusion (HBAO). The visual result is a real-time lighting and shadow placement solution that takes depth in account while being smoothed by a blur kernel which gives the player a realistic effect.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-treachery.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28177\" title=\"batman-treachery\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-treachery.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-treachery.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-treachery-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-treachery.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Combining all of these features creates an impressive cinematic look to <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> and immerses the gamer into Batman&#8217;s dark world.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Cut-scenes are in 3D<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>All of the elements of Batman: Arkham City are in 3D. This includes everything from the interactive 3D character portraits to every in-game cut-scene. The in-game cut-scenes are rendered in full HD 1080p 3D video for the highest quality cinematics. The characters from the <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> universe come alive in stereoscopic 3D Vision.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-loveint.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28178\" title=\"batman-loveint\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-loveint.jpg?resize=300%2C168\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-loveint.jpg?resize=300%2C168 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-loveint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/batman-loveint.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Let&#8217;s look at the game&#8217;s system requirements as well as the more specific recommendations for playing with GeForce cards and playable settings with PhysX and 3D Vision<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Next page...\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-includes\/js\/tinymce\/plugins\/wordpress\/img\/trans.gif?w=720\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Batman Hardware Requirements, Performance &amp; Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Minimum System Requirements<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or 7<\/li>\n<li>CPU: Dual-Core CPU 2.4 Ghz<\/li>\n<li>RAM: 2GB<\/li>\n<li>Graphics Card: NVIDIA 8800 or ATI 3800 with 512MB of VRAM<\/li>\n<li>Sound: Microsoft Windows XP\/Vista or 7 compatible sound card (100% DirectX 9.0c-compatible)<\/li>\n<li>DVD-ROM: Quad-speed (4x) DVD-ROM drive<\/li>\n<li>Hard Drive: 17.5GB free disk space<\/li>\n<li>Input Devices: 100% Windows XP\/Vista or 7 compatible mouse and keyboard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Recommended System Requirements<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7<\/li>\n<li>CPU: Dual-Core CPU 2.5 GHz<\/li>\n<li>RAM: 4GB<\/li>\n<li>Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or ATI Radeon HD 6850 with 768MB+ of VRAM (DirectX 11 compatible)<\/li>\n<li>Sound: Microsoft Windows XP\/Vista or 7 compatible sound card (100% DirectX 9.0c-compatible)<\/li>\n<li>DVD-ROM: Quad-speed (4x) DVD-ROM drive<\/li>\n<li>Hard Drive: 17.5 GB free disk space<\/li>\n<li>Input Devices: 100% Windows XP\/Vista or 7 compatible mouse and keyboard or Xbox 360 Controller for Windows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Here is Nvidia&#8217;s chart featuring playable settings of what a gamer can expect with selected GTX 500 series video cards. We can mostly confirm this with the very same cards that we used with some slowdowns that happened occasionally; once after a boss fight, the game became a slideshow and it required restarting the game.\u00a0 There are still some DX11 bugs even after the patch.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/GPU-Chart1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"GPU-Chart\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/GPU-Chart1.jpg?resize=500%2C189\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>3D Vision Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The average expected performance when running the built in benchmark with 3D Vision enabled at 1920&#215;1080 resolution, FXAA High, DX11 Disabled, and PhysX High is <strong>35<\/strong> fps for the GTX 560 Ti and <strong>38<\/strong> for the GTX 570.<\/p>\n<p>As a more direct comparison with <strong>PhyxX on Normal<\/strong>, using our own stock GTX 570 at 1920&#215;1080 resolution in 2D with DX11 effects Extreme (Motion Blur, Off), you can expect about <strong>53 fps average<\/strong>.\u00a0 Switching on <strong>3D Vision 2 at the same settings<\/strong> will give you about<strong> 38 fps average<\/strong>.\u00a0 So there is much less than a 100% framerate hit.\u00a0 These results are with the very latest beta drivers.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em> comes highly recommended. We agree with our web master and give this game <strong>a solid 9<\/strong> in 2D and <strong>a 9.5 playing in 3D Vision 2<\/strong> for the added enhancements of better depth gauging for aiming and gliding.\u00a0 This game is highly recommended for 3D Vision and it will be our benchmark for a long time to come.\u00a0 We can&#8217;t wait for the final DX11 patch.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Batman: Arkham City--><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle: The Verdict--><\/p>\n<h2>3D Vision 2 Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>We have been evaluating the entire 3D Vision 2 experience as compared to our original one.\u00a0 We have been using the LightBoost enabled ASUS VG278 27&#8243; 120Hz 3D Vision 2 ready display and the included 3D Vision 2 Glasses kit and it is time for our conclusion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>3D Vision 2 is a solid improvement over the original<\/strong> and the same can be said for both &#8211; when it works well it is <em><strong>spectacular <\/strong><\/em>for some games, far exceeding the experience of the same game in 2D.<\/li>\n<li><strong><strong>3D Vision 2<\/strong>\u00a0aids in immersion<\/strong> by making the action and the scene much more intimate; you are more easily drawn into the game world in a good game that makes intelligent use of S3D.<\/li>\n<li><strong>3D Vision 2 is brighter than the original &#8211; both the screen and the environment.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The ASUS VG278 display\/3D Vision 2 glasses exhibit less ghosting and thus less fatigue<\/strong> in playing extended gaming sessions in 3D.\u00a0 It is the ideal display for 3D Vision 2 and it is this editor&#8217;s first choice for playing 3D games.<\/li>\n<li><strong>3D Vision is Plug and Play.<\/strong> It is so simple to set up and adjust and there is only one set of GeForce drivers to ever deal with.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The ASUS 27&#8243; display is big and beautiful &#8211; the larger size aids in immersion.<\/strong>\u00a0 27&#8243; is probably the largest size that will work really well at 1080p resolution.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><strong>The ASUS VG278<\/strong> display&#8217;s matte screen is worlds better than the glossy screen of the smaller ASUS VG236 display.\u00a0 <\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>3D Vision 2 glasses are more comfortable<\/strong> and can be work for extended gaming sessions without issues.\u00a0 They are 20% larger, block more ambient light, and allow the user to see his keyboard better while gaming in 3D.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Bad<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The cost of entry is still high. <\/strong> $700 is a lot to pay for a premium 1080p 27&#8243; display even though Nvidia&#8217;s new 3D Vision 2 glasses are included.\u00a0 The 3D Vision 2 glasses together with an emitter are $150 or $119 just for a spare pare; compared to Samsung&#8217;s where you can buy almost 2 pairs for that price. However, there are advantages to buying a quality 120Hz display for gaming besides for 3D and adding the glasses to play in S3D is then no longer a big investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The Ugly<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There is <em>nothing<\/em> ugly about 3D Vision 2 unless you are shooting at demons and monsters in S3D. It is unfortunate that there is no OpenGL support at this time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong> The Verdict<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>3D Vision 2 using the new active shutter glasses and the ASUS VG278 display gives a better visual experience over playing with the original 3D Vision.\u00a0 This time, especially with <em>Batman: Arkham City<\/em>, the added illusion of 3D &#8220;depth&#8221; helps with the gliding and aiming. The performance hit is not that severe that someone with a midrange card like a GTX 560 Ti would really enjoy playing in 2D over 3D as few setting compromises need to be made.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that as graphics processors get faster, you will be able to revisit current games in the future playing them with 3D Vision just as your revisit your older games today.\u00a0 And <em>Trine 2<\/em> looked simply stunning with 3D Vision compared to playing on the same screen in 2D.\u00a0 The lack of fatigue in extended gaming sessions with 3D Vision 2 compared to the original is alone worth the upgrade costs.<\/p>\n<p>In this reviewer&#8217;s opinion, 3D Vision 2 is phenomenal and S3D gaming will eventually become mainstream and a standard optional feature for the majority of future PC games and console titles.\u00a0 3D Vision 2 works well out of the box with zero fuss, and it is a great step in the right direction toward even more immersion and realism in gaming.\u00a0 The main issue is cost.\u00a0 However, playing in 3D is addictive and once you try it, it is hard to go back to &#8220;ordinary&#8221; 2D gaming.<\/p>\n<p>Gamers don&#8217;t have to wait for 3D content with 3D Vision as many hundreds of older games work well with it. We only covered the PC gaming aspect of it. There is a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nvidia.com\/object\/3d-vision-main.html\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.nvidia.com\/object\/3d-vision-main.html', 'huge online resource and community']);\" >huge online resource and community<\/a> that Nvidia sponsors for their 3D Vision users to upload 3D images, photos and videos and you can also use 3D Vision to watch S3D movies and other content on a big screen HDTV that supports S3D..<\/p>\n<p>There is only one ABT award that fits 3D Vision 2 as it also fit the original 3D Vision.\u00a0 3D Vision 2 with the new LightBoost ASUS VG278 display and improved active shutter glasses are solid, innovative and well-thought out second-generation technology products that do much for increasing immersion in PC gaming and it deserves our highest award &#8211; Kick Ass!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/Kick-Ass.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27030\" title=\"Kick-Ass\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/Kick-Ass.jpg?resize=150%2C251\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>3D Vision 2 is highly recommended! We will continue to feature 3D Vision reviews and performance evaluations along with our regular hardware reviews for the PC gamer.\u00a0 We are going to next review a Thermaltake Chaser MK II full-tower case followed by a CPU cooler face-off.\u00a0 Then we will prepare to bring you coverage of CES 2012 followed by a review of the passive 3D ViewSonic V3D231 23&#8243; 120hz display.<\/p>\n<p>Viewsonic has just introduced their new VD231 3D 23&#8243; 120Hz 1080p display with 2ms response time that bundles TriDef 3D software (with support for over 500 games) as well as two pairs of passive polarized glasses \u2013 one regular and one is \u201cclip-on\u201d \u2013 for only $349, a much less expensive solution than comparable Nvidia\u2019s 3D Vision bundles.\u00a0 Stay tuned for a face off with 3D Vision later on this month!<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 164304<\/li>\n<li>SETI@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 138705<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1', 'World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech']);\" target=\"_blank\">World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=27955\"><img decoding=\"async\" align=top title=\"Author: Mark Poppin\" src=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/3DVision2Linkfin.jpg\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":28227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2533,7814,5,7],"tags":[1087,4868,5040,5039,5038,4982,4872,121,210,5042,5041],"class_list":["post-27955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abt-news","category-articles","category-gaming","category-technology","tag-3d-vision","tag-3d-vision-2","tag-active-shutter","tag-asus-vg236","tag-asus-vg278","tag-batman-arkham-city","tag-lightboost","tag-nvidia","tag-pc-gaming","tag-stereocopic-3d","tag-trine-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27955"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}