Monday, July 14, 2014

Spec Ops : The Line =Helix Update=

By Helix/Eqzitara


Update:
Fixed a game breaking issue that some were experiencing.
IMPORTANT:
New version has disabled subtitles. Their was an issue when porting fix to new format and this was only solution I could find. If this is a problem download old version which has worse shadows.
Issues remaining
No subtitles, hud elements at wrong depth, minor.
Optional:
Disable fog/dust effect[Its not broken. Game just goes heavy with it. It limits visibility which kind of goes against S3D.]

This was one of my first UE3 fixes and its hud is a bit of a mismatch. Besides that it only has a few remaining issues. As long as subtitles aren't an issue its still around an excellent/great.

Installation:
Optional-Cycle Frustum(Default hotkey CTRL-F11): Change your frustum till bloodstains don't cutoff. To change hotkey go into nvidia control panel. Set up stereoscopic 3d.  Set Keyboard shortcuts. Enable advanced.

Recommended Settings
All Settings Can be Maxed. I personally recommend turning off ambient occlusion. Its very low grade in this particular game. Similar to Borderlands 1. Its up to preference though.
Install to:
..\Program Files (x86)\2K Games\Spec Ops The Line\Binaries\Win 32\
NEW VERSION: SHADEROVERRIDE

OLD VERSION: SHADEROVERRIDE

============================================
If you like this fix I accept Paypal Donations at EQZITARA@YAHOO.COM or my PATREON.
Please keep in mind I am only one person at helixmod and all donations will go only towards myself.
Thank you for your support.

67 comments:

  1. Thanks eqzitara!! the original crosshair fixed is great (the nvidia crosshair really sucks). I play with Shadows = Lowest so i only use Hud and lens flare fix (thanks for the labels)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dont play on lowest, it messes stuff up.
      Try my normal release at normal/low and if you dont like it. Download the version without shadows.

      Delete
    2. Forgot to mention that was an awesome idea about disabling the fog(I think it was you, may have been 3d4dd). If you ever playthrough it I'd appreciate some of your famous screenshots -_o. My 720p shots are lame.

      Delete
    3. I play with the normal release fix (shadows = normal) and looks great, the only thing that (some parts) bother me is that characters have some black shadows in the face and clothes, but is a minor bug...the game looks great. The story of the game is a little lame, but always is nice to shoot bad guys in 3D to relieve stress.

      I will take some screenshot and upload in 3dvisionlive.com

      Delete
    4. Thanks for the response. Its good to see someone use the shadow release because thats the one I strived to get working. No shadows would of literally taken 1/4 as long. Funny I thought the story was best part, its what got all the critical acclaim in comparison to game play.

      Yeah this game was a huge pain in the ass to fix as you know. Lots of little things make it a pain in the ass. Mass Effect 3 lets you easily seperate self shadows from others.(Its only U.E.3 Game I found rhat does that). Not to mention when you put certain shaders in your shader override (unchanged, nothing altered) models literally go in all sorts of directions. If you've seen the witcher 1 "finger glitch" you know what I am talking about except magnified by 100. Its like that for a lot of U.E.3 games and only thing you can do is either not add that shader or disable it. Wierd.

      Delete
    5. Did you have ambient occlusion on? I just started a second playthrough (because the worlds longest first play through wasnt enough lol) and alot of the issues are gone. I didnt think it was ambient occlusion but the black streaks you sometimes see through character models is ambient occlusion.

      Delete
    6. Yah... So mad because I was almost positive it was the shader I had to skip because of the whole "glitch" and i just checked. https://s3.amazonaws.com/Helixfix/SpecOpsTheLine60_50.jps
      Thats what happens (even unchanged with nothing in override folder). It was the only self shadow I had left....

      Delete
    7. Yes i play with AO.... i try tuning off.

      Delete
    8. LOL! I give up on this game. Will have to wait and hope maybe helix can tell me why its doing this. I found the calculations for all shadows and was able to seperate self shadows from regular shadows. (which means no issues, and able to fix shadows all in one shader).... Problem is. https://s3.amazonaws.com/HelixMods/Specops/SpecOpsTheLine63_50.jps

      Delete
    9. Can you do me a HUGE favor? Just put this one file in your shaderoverride. If you beat the game go to second to last chapter, if not you should see the issue very quickly. Certain shaders literally break when injected. I thought this may be due to just how debugger works but now I have a theory its 600 series video cards.(We cant even just do vs_3_0 to blank out a shader. We have to do vs_3_0 dcl_position v0 dcl position o0). Anywho please add this file to your shaderoverride/vertexshaders folder. I will be in your debt.
      https://s3.amazonaws.com/dhr/5C5D4D28.txt
      Picture
      https://s3.amazonaws.com/dhr/SpecOpsTheLine63_50.jps

      Delete
    10. About 2 month ago i change my entire rig, now i have a MSI GTX670 Factory OC....i dont know if that change the test. I try today night anyways.

      Delete
    11. i add the shader, i dont know it's me or not, but noticed some problems with shadows (minor problems) or maybe this chapter have this issues...i play chapter 11 (the big antena)....i think almost finish the game.

      Delete
    12. It should look like that image I sent you.

      If you open your vertexshaders folder.
      You see how I disabled the Postition / texcoord in files I marked self shadows? By doing //
      Like this
      // mad o6, c3, r0.w, r1
      mad r1.xyz, r0, -c4.w, c4
      // mov o5, r0
      If you renable all them by removing the //
      mad o6, c3, r0.w, r1
      mad r1.xyz, r0, -c4.w, c4
      mov o5, r0
      That will make the shader as it was unmodified. It should look like a nightmare. You will see what I am talking about if it happens.
      https://s3.amazonaws.com/Helixfix/SpecOpsTheLine60_50.jps

      I am trying to find out if its just me, just 600 series users, or everyone. Mana is testing as a non 600 user. This is like 5th game Ive had that done this in some way.(not all unreal engine)

      Delete
    13. Sorry for being a constant pain, I should of planned this out more but kind of got super frustrated when I figured out a way to seperate shadows from self shadows(which may work with all unreal games) and it glitched that and I've known about this issue for months and its effected how I did many games, hopefully without bothering helix since he is busy with work. No rush but I just want to make sure everyone who is testing this for me is testing exact same thing in case we don't reach a consensus. Here is the override mana84 is testing for me. https://s3.amazonaws.com/Mana84/brokenshaderoverride.zip
      These are unchanged shaders. Taken straight from dumps folder to shaderoverride/vertexshaders/

      As soon as you get in game and control main character the issue should be apparent.

      Delete
    14. I Promise you this is last post. I feel so bad since you both are helping me. I should of really planned this out better dont want to waste your guys time and just run through this test once.

      Mana84 is looking at chapter 2. Right off the helicopter with this shaderoverride.
      https://s3.amazonaws.com/Mana84/brokenshaderoverride.zip

      Here is a 30 sec video showing what it looks like for me.
      https://s3.amazonaws.com/3dvid/SpecOpsTheLine+2012-07-26+19-05-39-76.mkv

      Delete
    15. Don't worry! i try today with the shaderoverride in the mana84 directory and let you know.

      Delete
    16. You don't need to do it anymore, sorry for the hassle.
      Mana84 confirmed the issue and he doesnt have a 680 card. Sorry for making a big deal out of this. I kind of reached the boiling point. Had this issue happen in every single unreal game Ive worked on (and some non) and I flipped out when I realized I knew all along how to remove self shadows. Ive probably spent days in hours trying to figure this out between all the games I've worked on.

      Delete
    17. OK.... what program do you use to record that video, because fraps don't record...many games have problems with fraps.

      Delete
    18. FRAPS IS A PAIN IN THE ASS.
      You can record any game at any resolution at half SBS
      Like 1/10 games you can can record at 1280x720.
      Like 1/3 games you can record at 1920x1080.

      What I do is I try. 1280x720. (I use a 720p projector). If it doesnt work. I try 1920 x1080(I can record but not watch). If that doesnt work I try 1280x720 windowed.
      For unreal engine games I can 1920x1080 or 1280x720p windowed.
      Some games I just cant get to work @ FSBS. I been trying to record orcs must die 2 but cant.

      Delete
  2. Finally had time to play...just awesome took a few shots..

    http://photos.3dvisionlive.com/sammaz/

    It's definately Excellent as far as I have seen.

    Running 60fps on GTS670 :) Thanx for another one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No Shadows = High convergence : )

      there is a nice sweetspot between "zoomed" and regular.

      Delete
    2. zoomed and regular?

      Also do you have splinter cell conviction? I started to rewrite the game and met good success however(I think I can fix it all besides shadows).... I hit 20 fps. I have 2 x 680's.... I know you have a 680 and was wondering if you can try it out. Been scouring forums and cant find a solution.

      Delete
    3. GTX 670 single...I will get Conviction installed...brb

      Delete
    4. They are all the same drivers so it should work. Thanks for help. I want to know before I go insane if I should reformat and stuff. I tried hard to see if I can keep playing but at 20fps and below I had serious eye issues.

      Delete
  3. Conviction will be installed here in the morning v1.0

    ReplyDelete
  4. Spec Ops is a really good 3D game with the no-shadows hack...It plays a lot like Gears of War.

    Toy Story 3 has some great 3d also...just got it for the 3D Co-op single screen...and I have been astounded at the 3D when I converge on the main carachter. I am yet to find any issues...even the in-game compas is 3D set perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Splinter Cell Conviction :

    20fps :(

    1280x720 3D
    GTX 670
    dual cpu x5550's

    It is just unplayable for some reason.

    ReplyDelete
  6. that's just the opening scenes but doesn't look good for the rest

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for going out of your way for me, was almost positive it was one of the many 600 series issues. I fixed fog ghosting(smoke), and crosshair but couldnt get past first level. Will have to wait for driver I guess = /
      Got to wait for nvidia forums to come up to start flaming.

      Delete
    2. eqzitara. Sorry for the unrelated comment, but I couldn't find another way to contact you. I'm trying to use 3d pics on a site I'm putting together, but I'm having to jump through fire-hoops to get them to view. Would you mind sharing who your host is, and/or the technique that you use to get 3d pics on this site? If you don't want to say, I understand. I just know a bunch of people would like to get some fan sites up and stuff, and the more content out there, the better for all of us.

      Seth
      MindzEyz
      gtagMindzEyz@live.com

      Again, sorry for the intrusion on this thread.

      Delete
    3. @mindzeyz

      NP. Yeah man besides not being able to show 3d content to 2d people there are tons of issues with sharing 3D content. Fraps has tons of issues and wont even record many games then only at certain resolutions but enough of my rant.

      Take pictures in game with ALT+F1 in game.
      Pictures go into a folder in documents/NVStereoscopic3D.img/
      Go to the web-site 3DVISIONLIVE.COM
      Make an account and go to UPLOAD JPS screenshot
      Upload the image. Wait 2 mins for it to process.
      Then click EMBED. You can change the resoultion in the drop down boxes or leave as is.
      Copy and paste into your web-site(as long as it can process html). Done.

      Delete
  7. Try Rise of Flight 3D Vision...The latest version is awesome in 3DTV Play. You can completely use the xbox360 controller sit on couch and have multiplayer 3D air combat from the cockpit view. 60fps locked with gtx670. They even have FOV mapped by default to the right stick...so you get a sick effect when you increase FOV then adjust convergence for large FOV.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the heads-up. My host's support said that it couldn't be done. It errored on me the first time I tried it a few days ago. It works just as you said (I could've sworn I did the exact same thing). Thanks a bunch. It works like a charm. If you use the Phereo gallery (the software behind the 3d vision live site), it's works just the same, but the pics are 600x350 (a bit larger). Phereoshop is a pretty nice piece of software too. Batch exporting, etc. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very cool. I didnt know of phereo. I will still use nvidia's 3d vision live since they been supportive but its cool to know and I am bookmarking it.
      Good luck to your fan-site, we are all in the same boat really. Be sure to give me a link when ready.

      Delete
  9. EQ, thanks for updating this with the shadow fixes. Good timing with it, since I'm just now getting around to playing this game.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Are the subtitles mandatory in this game? Or does the fix only cut the subs for dialog?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to hear :)

      But the hud distracts me whatsoever. Is there no way to turn it off completely?

      Delete
    2. http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2781370

      Havent tried it but most UE3 games can [through "modding]. Screenshot/photographers use them

      Delete
  11. with the fix installed the game image just flickers horribly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also check to make sure flickering doesnt occur in 3D mode without fix installed. If it does, it has nothing to do with fix.

      Delete
    2. Sorry for bad english,
      Same for me (and the screen is cut in half verticaly like SBS 3D), unplayable, with old and new fix. No problem without fix.
      I just bought is on Steam, couldt it be a recent update that broke the fix?

      Delete
    3. If screen is cut side by side
      Either you need to install/reinstall 3d tv play.
      http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nvidia.com%2Fobject%2F3dtv-play-14day-trial.html&ei=7Rd1U8a1GIuvyATZhYHQBA&usg=AFQjCNGMO7I0q9bcntB5OKskwnx1XGE_5g&sig2=IKs9Jg5sQMiZgO0pyCNekA&bvm=bv.66917471,bs.1,d.cWc

      Delete
    4. http://www.nvidia.com/object/3dtv-play-14day-trial.html

      Delete
    5. Thank you for your quick response, I am a big fan of your work for a long time!
      I forgot to mention that 3D TV Play is installed correctly (in fact I play AC4 at the moment with amazing new DX11 fix and Bioshock).
      I tried to uninstall the game, which works fine (3D or otherwise) without the fix, I use the 335.23 drivers. This is the first time I have a problem with your work, I hope you'll find where is the problem ! Thanx again for all you've done.

      Delete
    6. I forgot : I also tried Ctrl-Alt-F11 to disable Nvidia "fake 3D" compatiblity, I also changed the resolution and tried old and new fix.

      Delete
    7. I am having the same issue on 337.88 drivers. Have tried the same troubleshooting as discussed above.

      Delete
    8. Someone said nvidia screwed it up with new drivers I cant confirm.
      Try 333.21

      Delete
  12. try mass effect2 profile (low shadows though) get depth on cross hair + great convergence?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Convergence is something you can change yourself.
      "nvidia control panel->set up stereoscopic 3d->set keyboard shortcuts->advanced
      will see something called convergence. Hold the increase key up to 30 secs and you will see game become "more 3d"
      See pictures here explaining convergence
      http://ramblingsofa3dgamer.blogspot.com/2013/08/convergence-comparison.html
      "

      Delete
  13. I understand convergence and how to set it. My point is, with the new nvidia drivers The Helix mod is broken. But, if you use nvidia inspector to change the profile to Mass effect 2, you now have depth on the crosshairs, then with the shadows on low you can adjust the convergence how you like without any nasty shadow shader effects. Not as good as the original helix mod but the best work around I have found so far. Nothing I have tried enabled me to switch off the broken 'fake 3d' part of the nvidia drivers. Tried switching to a game on the known 'fake 3d' list in hope that Alt-Ctrl-F11 would work but it doesn't. I hope this makes sense, good night

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ps. I can't switch to any older drivers as I am running a 750ti :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No idea.
      Fake 3d only effects DX11 games which these aren't.

      If your using mass effect 2 profile I believe fix should still work if installed.

      Delete
  15. Thanks for all your time spent on this, but unfortunately the latest nvidia drivers just break this mod.
    Regardless of what profile I load it with, if the mod is there, the screen is badly broken (sort of Half SidebySide flashing).
    I even tried using a known 'fake 3d' profile to try and toggle the 'fake 3d' off, but still not possible.
    This is a great game but a little old now so probably not worth any more of your time. However it is on the humble bundle right now so may see a small rise in popuarity.

    Thanks again for your time, input on this. Im happy to stick with no shadows for now. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have had the same experience, the new drivers do not seem to work with this mod unfortunately. Not sure if its worth rolling back drivers...

      Delete
    2. Was able to replicate. Should be resolved.

      Delete
    3. Yes thank's very much for fixing eqzitara! I tested last night. One thing I noted is that turning off ambient occlusion (as you had recommended) messed up the shadows for me, but I left it on and everything on max and it looks great otherwise. One other note is that this game works with GeDoSaTo tool to improve IQ even further in 3D!

      Delete
  16. Wow, I saw your response and thought, nice ot them to go out of their way I hope they can fix it...........
    Then I eventually re-read your post and looked at the top of the thread and I think you have already fixed it and uploaded the fix!!!!!

    I cant wait to finish my 8 hr drive home, now and try it :)

    Thanks again for your efforts.....

    ReplyDelete
  17. eqzirara would you please fix the 3D vision in a game called Abyss Odyssey, it's 90% seems right, I'm sure it's easy work for you to fix the bugs. Thanks. I'm a fan of you really.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh and game called Violett too looks promising in 3D Vision but all Axes are wrong :(
      I'm sorry to request you in this page but I can't find any page to contact you for request :)

      Delete
  18. Thank you for the fix! I'm new to the website and bringing life back into my 3D set up, have not used it for years and finally getting some use out of it before oculus arrives! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. So where the hell does it say what the Helix update even is? What does it do to mod The game? anyone?

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Helix mod is a way to modify a games shaders so it displays correctly in Nvidia 3D vision.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks eqzitara, mc2face and all the mod + tweaks!
    I'm having problems - HUD disappears when performing any action would that cause an on screen message (collect ammo, execute teammate instruction, game tutorial instructions). also the message doesnt appear, so all HUD elements disappear for a second.
    I've tried every combo of in game gfx options, default nvidia inspector profile/mass effect profile, alt tab, restart, nudge 3D depth/convergence etc. Any ideas?
    Nvidia driver 388.31
    Jack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm also seeing the same problem on both Win7 and Win10. Related to the fix, not the game in 3D. When I run in only 3D, no fix, the prompts show up.

      Maybe experiment with settings in the fix itself. Most likely related to something that the fix does with the HUD elements, like getting them stuck behind geometry and culled. If you change the depth of those items they might show.

      Delete