Beta 2.3 Particle and Facial Effects news

Hey everyone,

This weekend we're bringing you some awesome media of 2.3 effects.
In our first video, we have a demonstration of some of the new particle effects in 2.3. Included in the video are:

pvk_arena Sudden Death
pvk_cathedral Sudden Death
Berserker Special

In our second video, we take a quick look at the facial animation system, including lip syncing for player taunts. Included are:

Pirate Captain lip syncing and facial expressions
Viking Berserker lip syncing and facial expressions

And last, we get a sneak peak at next week's article on pvk_forgotten.

pvk_arena Sudden Death

For starters, pvk_arena has seen some really cool changes. Most of you are familiar with the current Sudden Death in pvk_arena, which includes lava and crows. Well, 2.3 Arena has received some awesome additions for Sudden Death. There's a brand new atmosphere to the arena, which now includes a nearby Volcano. When sudden death kicks in, the Volcano becomes active and the eruption changes the entire atmosphere of the map. The sky turns a bloody red, ashes and embers encase the players and fire rains from the sky.

pvk_cathedral Sudden Death

Another map that's taken full advantage of the particle system in 2.3 is pvk_cathedral. The new particles add a much better destructive feeling to the map as the supports and ceiling crashes down upon the players. Dust explodes into the air and small pieces of rubble can be seen falling to the ground.

Berserker Special

As we've discussed previously, the Berserker Special will be using color correction to turn the player's vision a bloody red. In the video you will get to see a quick demonstration of this, as well as some other effects like the blood that shows up on the Berserker's axe after use.

Check out these great effects in action!

Facial Expressions

In our second video, we demonstrate some of the lip syncing added to the taunt system. You'll get a look at a few of the Captain taunts, as well as a few of the Berserker taunts. Take a look at the new fire effect for the powder keg while you're at it!

Check them out in action:

That's all for this week, be sure to check out our Forums and join us next week when we take a look at some of the changes to pvk_forgotten, which have improved both gameplay and aesthetics!