Game Test 2

Game Test 2: Calico

This space scene tests a completely different set of features. While the core architecture/engine is the same (HDR lighting, etc.) this scene is focused on a more traditional world in which you have a large number of rigid objects with superb lighting as opposed to fancy cloth simulation. This means that computational cycle-for-cycle, Calico's approach offers a richer visual experience. Futuremark's White Paper states:

The Calico test scene represents a vast space scene with lots of moving but rigid objects and special content like the planet and asteroid belt. The following features are specific to this scene:

Almost entirely consists of moving objects

No skinned objects

Variance shadow mapping shadows

Lots of instanced objects

Local and global ray-tracing effects (Parallax Occlusion Mapping, True Impostors and volumetric fog




People have always said that Futuremark makes benchmarks that you wish you could play. Call it nostalgia, but I hope Futuremark Game Studios decides to make a game based upon Test Scene 2, I'd probably be the first in line. A thematic decendant of Proxycon, the Calico test scene features a huge space battle along the lines of the opening in Star Wars Episode III: Return of the Sith. Origin (Wing Commander, Strike Commander) used to be *the* developer who made you want to upgrade your PC -- perhaps Futuremark Game Studios will be able to do that with their games.


In favor of developing a space shooter is the fact that development costs will be cheaper than other games such as a first person shooter or real-time strategy game due to ease of level design and a reduced artwork burden.