Are shadows important to you?

[Araxiel]

Shadows are a minute detail, and in PC games, turning them off can improve your framerate. My main question is, are shadows important to you in a game (the ones below object models) and if they were not present in the game, would you notice?

 

[darthzew]

I would notice. But if I can only run pixelated, ugly shadows then I'd rather them not be there. It's more of a detail to me that I can overlook, but not always happily.

When shadows are done right, I notice and the game gets a respectful nod.

 

[The_Echo]

I don't notice them when they're there.

 

[razbuten363]

Being one to take the stealthy approach, I would notice and miss the shadows in games.

 

[Lazzi]

I prefer them in FPS games. The Shadows help provide a sense of scale.

However I really dont need them in most other games.

In wow I only need the littel circle of darkness.

 

[rockingnic]

I like my shadows with my ninja. Each of them can take a hit from me.
I don't have to decide because even my laptop can handle most games that require a lot of graphical power.

 

[Danman1]

Shadows have to be either off or Extremely Processor f@#$ingly high or else it looks wierd.

 

[Cuniculus]

Depends on the game. Sometimes the shadows glitched in Sims 3, so I turned them off, and I don't notice one bit of difference.

However if I was to turn off the shadows in FEAR it would not be the same game at all.

 

[NeutralDrow]

Of course shadows are important to me.

Spoiler

 

[danosaurus]

Certain games - yes.
Scale, depth and immersion are increased.

Other games I find they can be pretty much as arbitrary as a fridge in Antarctica.

 

[bodyklok]

For me, a game without them would feel weird, honestly though there not the most difficult things to do so most games have at lest basic shadows.

 

[Farseli]

I agree with the one who mentioned FEAR. For horror games like FEAR and STALKER I need my shadows. Not only do they add spook (FEAR uses shadows in scare moments to let you know the scary thing is behind you and without shadows you won't even know what was supposed to be scary) but also help me get into the game. I admit that a few times early on in FEAR 2 I got spooked by my own shadow since I wasn't used to it being so fluid and realistic..also remembering the shadow spooks in FEAR.

 

[Snor]

i only play strategy games really and my pc sucks so i always turn them of. so no but yes please if i had a better pc

 

[Gyrefalcon]

Depends on the game. Sometimes the shadows glitched in Sims 3, so I turned them off, and I don't notice one bit of difference.

However if I was to turn off the shadows in FEAR it would not be the same game at all.

Agreed. You can't do a good horror or stealth game without them.

 

[Skeleon]

Depends on the game. For FPS like FEAR or Doom 3, they are important for the atmosphere.
But usually, for games like top-down RPGs or RTS, I turn them off completely or use the "blob shadow"-variant.

 

[Rhayn]

Don't care much for them really, though I've cought myself wondering why character doesn't cast a shadow despite standing on a beach, sun gazing and no clouds in sight.

 

[daviejjd]

I always turn them off if I need to up my frame rate, but I certainly like them!

 

[Woem]

Bah, who needs shadows, or even textures?