Gif shows comparison between original FUEL's shadows vs. new shaders. Original shadows flattened normals / bump maps out too much, so shadows looked flat and lacked depth. New shaders fixed normals in shadows, allow a little bit of specular to shine through on the direct lighting path, and enhanced shadows add a bit of environmental shine to simulate ambient light diffusing in and bouncing off shiny surfaces while absorbing into duller surfaces. This creates a more complex shadow, adding depth and highlights. Buildings have highlights along edges, sand ripples have highlights. Even the partially lit skyscraper on the right-hand side highlights the windows more distinctly in shadow now.
Gif shows comparison between original FUEL's shadows vs. new shaders. Original shadows flattened normals / bump maps out too much, so shadows looked flat and lacked depth. New shaders fixed normals in shadows, allow a little bit of specular to shine through on the direct lighting path, and enhanced shadows add a bit of environmental shine to simulate ambient light diffusing in and bouncing off shiny surfaces while absorbing into duller surfaces. This creates a more complex shadow, adding depth and highlights. Buildings have highlights along edges, sand ripples have highlights. Even the partially lit skyscraper on the right-hand side highlights the windows more distinctly in shadow now.