Patch 5 brings DirectX 9 with unified support for shaders, both CG and directX .FX files are supported.
This will be the last big architectural change for a while(until DBW format at least).
Only major bugs will be killed for this release. The reason for Patch 5 besides directx 9 and shaders is to put a brand new public demo out of DBPro.
Patch 6's big features are 85-90 percent complete, supposed to be released soon after Patch 5.
Patch 6 (Upgrade 6 as its being called) Major features...
1) Too be release not too long after Patch 5, you shouldn't have to wait too long for this one as a lot of work is already done.
2) CSG commands added (Add, Subtract, Intersection) with low poly primitives or high poly DBO objects. Works in realtime and with fast speeds.
3) Nodetree system (Octrees) with advanced portal system to build worlds. This is to replace DBClassic's static objects.
4) Advanced Lightmap system (not yet started, research mode right now).
5) Low level DBO vertice/poly control (not started yet).
6) Major bug fixes for this release
There may be other features, but they have not been revealed just yet and this is a feature list of Patch 5 and 6, things can change in the future, but this is where its currently at.
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