Powerboat VR News

Today's update includes some of the framework required to setup the cargo transportation system. A lot of it is scripting systems which you can't see but there are some visual updates...

1. Added fuel storage areas to all main ports on Menorca (Mahon, Cuitadella & Fornells).

2. Changed rocks so that they are on the same reflection layer as terrain an as such will render in the reflection at a greater distance.

3. Tightened up the handling of the Typhoon as it was a little "soft" in the water at speed. It should now have a harder ride as the hull can impart more force when hitting the water.

4. Removed some stray meshes at Mahon harbour.

Today's update mainly focuses on the audio and visual elements of the T800...

1. Added new diesel engine sounds to the T800 so it no longer sounds like the Typhoon.
2. Added reverb effect when inside the T800's cabin.
3. Separated the rudder meshes so that they now turn correctly when steering.
4. Separated the prop meshes so that they now spin correctly when applying throttle.
5. Sat Nav now shows terrain correctly again.
6. Minor adjustment to the drag values on the T800 hull
7. Minor adjustment to the Centre of Gravity for the T800 hull.
8. RADAR bar rotates

This is a quick update that adds the bow thrusters to the T800.

They can be triggered via two new buttons to the right of the throttle lever in VR or assigned to button/keys for external controllers such as game pads etc.

The bow thrusters are designed to provide more turning control at low speeds but they can also be used to slowly "crab" the boat into dock by using the thrusters in concert with full rudder lock and main engine power.

I'm not 100% happy with the thruster's VR controls at the moment as keeping your "finger" on the correct button is not easy.

This coming week I shall be working on adding a few more port areas to Menorca so that I can start to work on the transportation routes for ferrying people & cargo around the island.

Once this is setup, I'll start work on a 2nd island to open up longer distance transport routes.

Today's update....

1. Adjusted the T800 rudder power so it doesn't turn quite so sharply at low speed.

2. Fixed a collider issue which was preventing you from walking on the main deck of the T800 - you should now be able to access all areas in VR.

3. Swapped out the RiB lifeboat for a (none working) Mako RiB.

4. Fixed an issue with the right hand VR laser which wasn't working correctly and wouldn't allow you to use it to move.

5. Added Screen Resolution options to the Graphics Option menu. You can now change your resolution and switch between window and fullscreen modes in a none-VR game. In VR the game will default to a small low resolution window on the desktop.

6. Fixed an issue with the GPU Instanced trees which were not showing up in VR and/or were flickering due to inaccurate occlusion culling.

7. Moved the T800 throttle lever so it is a little more easy to reach in VR. Still not perfect and I will be building a custom throttle controller shortly which will allow individual engine control to aid turning.

Finally had a chance to benchmark in VR...

On my PRO2 at native resolution (2692 x 2692 SteamVR resolution per eye) I was hitting a fairly constant 90fps (11.1ms) in Mahon harbour on a 2080ti which is seems pretty good.

Next update should add the bow thruster to the T800 and if I have enough time I'll try and build a custom throttle unit for it so that you can control the engines individually.

Today's update is slightly larger than usual as I have now added and fully integrated the first of the "Big Boats".

The T800 LPG Carrier is a "small" sized tanker and can be deployed via the menu like any other ship - although I have set it as the default ship currently. In VR you should be able to walk round the ship including going outside and up and down the ladders.

Here's the full patch notes...

1. New ship, the T800 LPG Carrirer. It's currently lacking it's bow thruster so low speed manoeuvring is a little tricky - but possible.
2. Added underwater camera effect to both 2D and VR camera rigs so things will look a little more like they are underwater should you wish to take a dip in the wet stuff!
3. Fixed the reverse speed indicator so that it now has enough numeric places to include the "-" sign when reversing
4. Engine reverse RPM is now displayed correctly.
5. Reversing engines now sound correct
6. Fixed the rudder input when reversing so that it doesn't push you in the wrong direction!