Software vs. OpenGL

[Anonymous]

Hello chaps!

So I'm wondering something. Is there any real advantage to playing the game in OpenGL over Software? That is - notable graphics improvement, some kind of advantage due to the engine, anything at all?

Personally, I much prefer to play in Software mode. This is primarily because my computer doesn't handle OpenGL very well, but also because I can't stand the whole looking down at a sprite and having it be flattened in a 3D world. I much prefer the classic sort of sprite work that follows you no matter where you view it from.

But with this preference of mine - am I missing out on anything that'd make a huge difference?

[Mr. X]

I prefer not getting sick when I look up or down, so I use OpenGL.

[Blueiscooltoo]

how do I know if I'm using software or openGL?

[Korby]

how do I know if I'm using software or openGL?

Options: Set Video Mode: Software/OpenGL

I prefer not getting sick when I look up or down, so I use OpenGL.

I know, right?

[Anonymous]

Huh. I've never had any sort of disorientation or felt sick at all whilst playing. I guess my stomach toughs it out for the team.

[fizzyman]

Yeah everythings all strechy weird with Software mode, I only switched over to OpenGL last night and I really like it... well except for people turning paper thin when you look down at them... but I can deal with that.

[Zero-EXE]

I can't move around worth squat looking up/down in software mode, so I stick with OpenGL. It's how it was with the demo version, so it fits me just fine. :P

[RushJet1]

Options -> display options -> opengl options -> preferences -> sprite billboard

this will make sprites display the same no matter what angle you are looking at them from.  If you set it to x/y axis, this means that if you're directly above a RM or item you can still see it as if it was facing you.  If it's just y-axis this means that if you're directly above a sprite, it's invisible.

x/y is almost always better except on stages like crystal or gyro that have large sprites that are broken up-- this makes them look odd.

(click to show/hide)

also the last boss is almost unhittable unless you keep it on y-axis because it changes the perspective

[Blueiscooltoo]

oh, I'm on Software and I do very well in software mode...

[brawlman9876]

my game wont even work with openGL. it shows a blank screen of nothing and i cant do anything, and im fine with software anyway

[KillerChair]

With the demo my laptop crashed if i even tried OpenGL but now it doesnt seem to matter anymore.

[Namo]

I always use OpenGL.  If you'd like to know why, see for yourself.  Enable Mouselook and open up software mode.  Look up.  Alternatively, go to a high place, and look down.

If it weren't for that, I'd use software mode, because I don't like how OpenGL mode renders the sprites (they're flat like cards, I'd prefer classic Doom style where the sprite is always looking at you).

[CutmanMike]

It looks better, runs better (if your computer can handle it), and you can look directly up and down. Those are the main things. If it's in software it's using the Doom palette, which can make some of the colors look like ass.

[MD-2a03]

OpenGL is definitely the way to go. Just make sure to keep any texture filtering turned off. It will try to smooth the textures. Good for other purposes but definitely a no-no when doing 8-bit.

[CopShowGuy]

OpenGL for me!  Looking up and down is quite useful.  I can deal with the sprites going thin.