Difference between revisions of "Blur"
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'''Key points''' | '''Key points''' | ||
{{--}} Game uses its own online account system<ref name="account">[https://steamcommunity.com/app/42640/discussions/0/648814845148097649/ DRM ? :: Blur General Discussions]</ref> and doesn't include VOIP, text chat or any other way to communicate with online players. | {{--}} Game uses its own online account system<ref name="account">[https://steamcommunity.com/app/42640/discussions/0/648814845148097649/ DRM ? :: Blur General Discussions]</ref> and doesn't include VOIP, text chat or any other way to communicate with online players. | ||
− | {{--}} Updates cause various audio issues (such as crackling and cutting-off earlier than expected) especially on higher quality audio presets and frame rates over 60. Downgrade to the original version to avoid frame rate and audio issues.<ref | + | {{--}} Updates cause various audio issues (such as crackling and cutting-off earlier than expected) especially on higher quality audio presets and frame rates over 60. Downgrade to the original version to avoid frame rate and audio issues.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=Audio crackling issue is still present on framerates below 60, however instances of it are very rare; surpassing 60 FPS drastically increases the number and the intensity of random crackling noises.}}</ref> |
− | {{--}} Despite the uncapped frame rate, gameplay sections are internally limited to 60 FPS with higher values duplicating the same frames while also breaking some post-processing effects (e.g. motion blur, lens flare, etc.). To change the internal limit and restore some of the broken effects see [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]].<ref | + | {{--}} Despite the uncapped frame rate, gameplay sections are internally limited to 60 FPS with higher values duplicating the same frames while also breaking some post-processing effects (e.g. motion blur, lens flare, etc.). To change the internal limit and restore some of the broken effects see [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]].<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=Frontend automatically behaves as if the custom FPS edit is applied. Running the game at higher values than 60 FPS irrespective of the high FPS edit being applied causes menu navigation animations and camera sensitivity in gameplay and frontend to speed up; the patch simply allows more unique frames rendered in them as opposed to reused ones. The overall range of the "Shock" power-up is shared with the internal limit in the main .exe but will separate at runtime.}}</ref> |
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
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===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
{{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2135-blur-patch/ Patch 1.2] for retail copies. Steam version is already patched. | {{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2135-blur-patch/ Patch 1.2] for retail copies. Steam version is already patched. | ||
− | {{--}} Causes Audio issues at higher than 60 FPS and on higher quality audio presets.<ref | + | {{--}} Causes Audio issues at higher than 60 FPS and on higher quality audio presets.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=None of the crackling, buffering or cutting off issues exist in the original, non-updated retail version.}}</ref> |
===Skip intro videos=== | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename video files|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170517211624/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2594279#post29763522 How To : Disable Startup Videos - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename video files|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170517211624/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2594279#post29763522 How To : Disable Startup Videos - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>|fix= | ||
Line 96: | Line 96: | ||
|widescreen resolution notes= | |widescreen resolution notes= | ||
|multimonitor = true | |multimonitor = true | ||
− | |multimonitor notes = Hor+ gameplay, Vert- FMV scaling. | + | |multimonitor notes = {{Term|Hor+}} gameplay, {{Term|Vert-}} FMV and frontend scaling. Hud in gameplay snaps to corners. Loading screens and event starting aspect ratios are {{term|pillarboxed}} and {{term|letterboxed}} to 16:9.<ref> |
|ultrawidescreen = true | |ultrawidescreen = true | ||
− | |ultrawidescreen notes = Hor+ gameplay, Vert- FMV scaling. | + | |ultrawidescreen notes = {{Term|Hor+}} gameplay, {{Term|Vert-}} FMV and frontend scaling. Hud in gameplay snaps to corners. Loading screens and event starting aspect ratios are {{term|pillarboxed}} and {{term|letterboxed}} to 16:9. |
|4k ultra hd = true | |4k ultra hd = true | ||
|4k ultra hd notes = | |4k ultra hd notes = | ||
Line 107: | Line 107: | ||
|borderless windowed = false | |borderless windowed = false | ||
|borderless windowed notes = | |borderless windowed notes = | ||
− | |anisotropic = | + | |anisotropic = always on |
− | |anisotropic notes = | + | |anisotropic notes = <ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=Mipmaps and distorted reflections make the determination of the exact anisotropic sample count difficult. Textures are too sharp for a trilinear filtering implementation. Most likely 2-4 samples used.}}</ref> |
|antialiasing = true | |antialiasing = true | ||
|antialiasing notes = Up to 8x [[MSAA]]. | |antialiasing notes = Up to 8x [[MSAA]]. | ||
Line 116: | Line 116: | ||
|60 fps notes = | |60 fps notes = | ||
|120 fps = hackable | |120 fps = hackable | ||
− | |120 fps notes = Uncapped in menus (3D animations and camera movements), 2D menu navigation speed tied to frame rate. Gameplay limited to 60 FPS internally, higher values duplicating the same 60 frames and breaking some post-processing effects. Updates causes audio to be distorted and broken. See [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]].<ref | + | |120 fps notes = Uncapped in menus (3D animations and camera movements), 2D menu navigation speed tied to frame rate. Gameplay limited to 60 FPS internally, higher values duplicating the same 60 frames and breaking some post-processing effects. Updates causes audio to be distorted and broken. See [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]].<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=There were no differences in levels of smoothness in any aspect between a locked 60 and 144 FPS during gameplay; however the differences of the same values were easily identifiable in frontend.}}</ref> |
|hdr = unknown | |hdr = unknown | ||
|hdr notes = | |hdr notes = | ||
Line 126: | Line 126: | ||
{{ii}} This method can only fully restore some of the broken post-processing effects like motion blur while others (like lens flare) may still exhibit broken and inconsistent behaviors. That is if the new internal limit matches the desired external value. | {{ii}} This method can only fully restore some of the broken post-processing effects like motion blur while others (like lens flare) may still exhibit broken and inconsistent behaviors. That is if the new internal limit matches the desired external value. | ||
{{ii}} Simply running at a higher rate - regardless of this fix being applied - speeds up camera movement and sensitivity. This fix helps the sped up camera to render at higher internal values. | {{ii}} Simply running at a higher rate - regardless of this fix being applied - speeds up camera movement and sensitivity. This fix helps the sped up camera to render at higher internal values. | ||
− | {{ii}} High frame rate may be somewhat difficult to consistently achieve on some setups due to limited multi-threading. This can be alleviated by using [https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases dxvk] to wrap D3D9 API calls to Vulkan. This reduces overall CPU usage and overhead but increases GPU usage.<ref | + | {{ii}} High frame rate may be somewhat difficult to consistently achieve on some setups due to limited multi-threading. This can be alleviated by using [https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases dxvk] to wrap D3D9 API calls to Vulkan. This reduces overall CPU usage and overhead but increases GPU usage.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=CPU performance especially improved during city sections.}}</ref> |
− | {{Fixbox|description=Modify with Cheat Engine|ref=<ref | + | {{Fixbox|description=Modify with Cheat Engine|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
# Install [https://www.cheatengine.org/ Cheat Engine] and attach the game process. | # Install [https://www.cheatengine.org/ Cheat Engine] and attach the game process. | ||
# While {{file|Blur.exe}} is selected in the memory search range, search for {{code|0.016666666666}} as a float in rounded (extreme) mode, while '''Executable''', '''Writable''' and '''CopyOnWrite''' is set to '''Don't Care''' and the '''Fast Scan''' option disabled. | # While {{file|Blur.exe}} is selected in the memory search range, search for {{code|0.016666666666}} as a float in rounded (extreme) mode, while '''Executable''', '''Writable''' and '''CopyOnWrite''' is set to '''Don't Care''' and the '''Fast Scan''' option disabled. | ||
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{{ii}} One of the two values responsible for game speed in accordance to the internal gameplay FPS target may show incorrect value in menus; however, it will automatically match itself with the other value during gameplay. | {{ii}} One of the two values responsible for game speed in accordance to the internal gameplay FPS target may show incorrect value in menus; however, it will automatically match itself with the other value during gameplay. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Modify with hex editor|ref=<ref | + | {{Fixbox|description=Modify with hex editor|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
# Open {{file|Blur.exe}} with a hex editor such as [https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/ HxD]. | # Open {{file|Blur.exe}} with a hex editor such as [https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/ HxD]. | ||
# Replace all instances of {{code|89 88 88 3C}} (60 FPS) with one of the following, | # Replace all instances of {{code|89 88 88 3C}} (60 FPS) with one of the following, | ||
Line 144: | Line 144: | ||
#* <code>89 88 88 3B</code> for 240 FPS. | #* <code>89 88 88 3B</code> for 240 FPS. | ||
#* <code>61 0B 36 3B</code> for 360 FPS. | #* <code>61 0B 36 3B</code> for 360 FPS. | ||
− | # Replace | + | # Replace the first instance of {{code|00 00 70 42}} (60 FPS) with one of the following, |
#* <code>00 00 F0 42</code> for 120 FPS. | #* <code>00 00 F0 42</code> for 120 FPS. | ||
#* <code>00 00 10 43</code> for 144 FPS. | #* <code>00 00 10 43</code> for 144 FPS. | ||
#* <code>00 00 70 43</code> for 240 FPS. | #* <code>00 00 70 43</code> for 240 FPS. | ||
#* <code>00 00 B4 43</code> for 360 FPS. | #* <code>00 00 B4 43</code> for 360 FPS. | ||
+ | # If gameplay speed becomes slow change other instances of {{code|00 00 70 42}}; however, if not possible, all instances can be replaced at once without any noticeable changes to gameplay. | ||
{{++}} Permanent solution. Only needs to be applied once. | {{++}} Permanent solution. Only needs to be applied once. | ||
{{--}} Higher values applied via this method will reduce the effective range of the "Shock" power-up. | {{--}} Higher values applied via this method will reduce the effective range of the "Shock" power-up. | ||
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|eax support notes = | |eax support notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{--}} "Medium', and "High" audio settings will sound better, but the updates cause audio to cut sooner, and may not properly load. Can be fixed with a replacement dsound.dll from Creative ALchemy or downgrading to the original version.<ref | + | {{--}} "Medium', and "High" audio settings will sound better, but the updates cause audio to cut sooner, and may not properly load. Can be fixed with a replacement dsound.dll from Creative ALchemy or downgrading to the original version.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=Issue only occurred on updated version.}}</ref> |
===Mute on focus lost=== | ===Mute on focus lost=== | ||
Line 434: | Line 435: | ||
===Distorted audio quality=== | ===Distorted audio quality=== | ||
{{ii}} On updated versions, frame rates over 60 FPS cause the game's audio to be distorted and broken. | {{ii}} On updated versions, frame rates over 60 FPS cause the game's audio to be distorted and broken. | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Downgrade to the original version|ref=<ref | + | {{Fixbox|description=Downgrade to the original version|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
* Alternatively, see [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)#Frame rate capping|Frame rate capping]] or set monitor on 60hz and enable Vsync in Video options. | * Alternatively, see [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)#Frame rate capping|Frame rate capping]] or set monitor on 60hz and enable Vsync in Video options. | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 440: | Line 441: | ||
===Audio cuts out when game first loads=== | ===Audio cuts out when game first loads=== | ||
{{ii}} This issue only occurs with the Medium, and High audio setting on updated versions. | {{ii}} This issue only occurs with the Medium, and High audio setting on updated versions. | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Downgrade to the original version or enable Compatibility Mode|ref=<ref | + | {{Fixbox|description=Downgrade to the original version or enable Compatibility Mode|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radmaxx|date=2022-05-03|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
#Right click on either on 'Blur.exe', or the shortcut to the exe, and select 'Properties'. | #Right click on either on 'Blur.exe', or the shortcut to the exe, and select 'Properties'. | ||
#Click on the 'Compatibility' tab. | #Click on the 'Compatibility' tab. |
Revision as of 20:20, 9 May 2022
Developers | |
---|---|
Bizarre Creations | |
Publishers | |
Activision | |
Engines | |
Horizon | |
Release dates | |
Windows | May 25, 2010 |
Taxonomy | |
Genres | Racing |
Key points
- Game uses its own online account system[1] and doesn't include VOIP, text chat or any other way to communicate with online players.
- Updates cause various audio issues (such as crackling and cutting-off earlier than expected) especially on higher quality audio presets and frame rates over 60. Downgrade to the original version to avoid frame rate and audio issues.[2]
- Despite the uncapped frame rate, gameplay sections are internally limited to 60 FPS with higher values duplicating the same frames while also breaking some post-processing effects (e.g. motion blur, lens flare, etc.). To change the internal limit and restore some of the broken effects see High frame rate.[3]
General information
Availability
- Online features require registering an account in-game.[1]
Essential improvements
Patches
- Patch 1.2 for retail copies. Steam version is already patched.
- Causes Audio issues at higher than 60 FPS and on higher quality audio presets.[4]
Skip intro videos
Delete/rename video files[5] |
---|
|
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %APPDATA%\bizarre creations\blur\settings.xml |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/42640/pfx/[Note 1] |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %APPDATA%\bizarre creations\blur\save\ |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/42640/pfx/[Note 1] |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Steam Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | |||
Multi-monitor | Hor+ gameplay, Vert- FMV and frontend scaling. Hud in gameplay snaps to corners. Loading screens and event starting aspect ratios are pillarboxed and letterboxed to 16:9.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag |
||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | |||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | |||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Up to 8x MSAA. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | |||
60 FPS | |||
120+ FPS | Uncapped in menus (3D animations and camera movements), 2D menu navigation speed tied to frame rate. Gameplay limited to 60 FPS internally, higher values duplicating the same 60 frames and breaking some post-processing effects. Updates causes audio to be distorted and broken. See High frame rate.[6] | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
High frame rate
- This method can only fully restore some of the broken post-processing effects like motion blur while others (like lens flare) may still exhibit broken and inconsistent behaviors. That is if the new internal limit matches the desired external value.
- Simply running at a higher rate - regardless of this fix being applied - speeds up camera movement and sensitivity. This fix helps the sped up camera to render at higher internal values.
- High frame rate may be somewhat difficult to consistently achieve on some setups due to limited multi-threading. This can be alleviated by using dxvk to wrap D3D9 API calls to Vulkan. This reduces overall CPU usage and overhead but increases GPU usage.[7]
Modify with Cheat Engine[8] |
---|
|
Modify with hex editor[9] |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | Two layouts only. | |
Mouse acceleration | No mouse support. | |
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | XInput controllers only. | |
Full controller support | Only keyboard button prompts are displayed. | |
Controller remapping | Three layouts only. | |
Controller sensitivity | ||
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers | ||
---|---|---|
Xbox button prompts | ||
Impulse Trigger vibration |
PlayStation controllers | Add Blur to Steam as a non-Steam game and use the 'Gamepad' preset in the controller configuration. Vibration can be disabled via Steam Big Picture. | |
---|---|---|
PlayStation button prompts | ||
Light bar support | ||
Adaptive trigger support | ||
DualSense haptic feedback support | ||
Connection modes |
Generic/other controllers | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. |
---|
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | See Haptic feedback. | |
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M | Keyboard only. |
Haptic feedback
Disable controller vibration[citation needed] |
---|
|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Effects, Music, Menu music. | |
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | See Mute on focus lost. |
- "Medium', and "High" audio settings will sound better, but the updates cause audio to cut sooner, and may not properly load. Can be fixed with a replacement dsound.dll from Creative ALchemy or downgrading to the original version.[10]
Mute on focus lost
Mute in background[citation needed] |
---|
|
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Italian | ||||
Polish | Local retail version only. | |||
Spanish | Local retail version only. | |||
Russian | Retail only. Patch for digital release here. |
Network
- Online features require registering an account in-game.[1]
- Servers seems to be still online as of February 3, 2020.
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | 4 | Split-screen. | ||
LAN play | 20 | |||
Online play | 20 |
Ports
- No port information; you can edit this page to add it.
- This game supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic port configuration.
VR support
3D modes | State | GG3D | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | Use Helix Mod: Blur for better 3D support. | |||
vorpX | G3D User created game profile, see vorpx forum profile introduction. Note: Windowed mode may crash game ! |
Issues fixed
Black screen, degrading frame rate, freezes on launch, or loads endlessly
Install DirectPlay[11] |
---|
Windows 8/8.1/10 removes important DirectX components, causing the framerate to degrade overtime. These components can be brought back by installing DirectPlay. More about DirectPlay here.
Notes
|
Resetting CPU Affinity |
---|
|
Changing CPU Affinity |
---|
|
Game doesn't launch |
---|
|
Distorted audio quality
- On updated versions, frame rates over 60 FPS cause the game's audio to be distorted and broken.
Downgrade to the original version[12] |
---|
|
Audio cuts out when game first loads
- This issue only occurs with the Medium, and High audio setting on updated versions.
Downgrade to the original version or enable Compatibility Mode[13] |
---|
|
Unable to play online
- This is an issue which involves an inability to connect to online games, caused by Blur's overly strict reliance on port forwarding.
- The only reliable way to play online is to use Virtual LAN software such as Hamachi or Tunngle, the latter of which had an active Blur community, but had to shut down its services in 30/04/2018 due to the EU GDPR. Nowadays there is a discord that created an alternate server for playing the game online. Search for - "amax-emu.com\how_to_play".
Retail installer hangs
- Retail copies of the game may get stuck during the install process, specifically before the installer starts copying files from the disc. This mostly is to occur on PCs running Windows 8/8.1/10.
Installing the game without the disk[11] |
---|
|
Mouse cursor always visible in game
Hide mouse cursor[citation needed] |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | |
Shader Model support | 3.0 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP, Vista, 7 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium D Dual Core 3.4 GHz | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz |
System memory (RAM) | 1 GB | 2 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 14 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | Nvidia GeForce 6600 GT ATI Radeon X1600 XT 256 MB of VRAM Shader model 3.0 support |
Nvidia GeForce 7800 GT ATI Radeon X1800 XT |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (42640) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 DRM ? :: Blur General Discussions
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- Audio crackling issue is still present on framerates below 60, however instances of it are very rare; surpassing 60 FPS drastically increases the number and the intensity of random crackling noises.
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- Frontend automatically behaves as if the custom FPS edit is applied. Running the game at higher values than 60 FPS irrespective of the high FPS edit being applied causes menu navigation animations and camera sensitivity in gameplay and frontend to speed up; the patch simply allows more unique frames rendered in them as opposed to reused ones. The overall range of the "Shock" power-up is shared with the internal limit in the main .exe but will separate at runtime.
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- None of the crackling, buffering or cutting off issues exist in the original, non-updated retail version.
- ↑ How To : Disable Startup Videos - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- There were no differences in levels of smoothness in any aspect between a locked 60 and 144 FPS during gameplay; however the differences of the same values were easily identifiable in frontend.
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- CPU performance especially improved during city sections.
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- Issue only occurred on updated version.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Installing Blur for Windows 8/8.1/10 Complete Guide
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03
- ↑ Verified by User:Radmaxx on 2022-05-03