Direct64 v0.5 ALPHA

[Martin]

Orkin has just released Direct64, a DirectX 9 plugin for N64 emulators:

For the past few months I've been working on a DirectX 9 plugin that uses the latest features of today's GPUs to get as close to the N64 as possible. That plugin is called Direct64 (orginal name, huh?).

I had planned on getting more much done on this before releasing, but it's been so long since I've released anything to the public that I'm going to go ahead and release it as an alpha version. As such, keep in mind that this is very much a WIP, so expect bugs, crashes, and various glitches.

Direct64 is based on the glN64 source code, but many changes have been made since I began working on it. Here's what's different in Direct64 v0.5 ALPHA from glN64 v0.4.1:

• Changed graphics API from OpenGL to DirectX 9
• Changed combiner to use pixel shaders (PS 2.0 recommended)
• Added software triangle clipping
• Added overscan simulation
• Added software depth buffer rendering (see Zelda coronas/lens flare)
• Added Zelda "four suns" bug hack
• Added OrkinSampling (FSAA doesn't work with the new framebuffer
• Added preliminary LOD factor support (see SM64 Bowser/Peach painting transition)
• Added HQ2X and HQ4X texture filters (thanks to Maxim Stepin)
• Improved S2DEX and S2DEX2 microcode support
• Improved blender emulation
• Improved noise emulation using pixel shaders
• Improved depth image support
• Improved color image support
• Improved depth bias for decals
• Fixed a bug related to switching microcodes using gSPLoadUCodeEx

The plugin requires DirectX 9, and at least PS 1.1 support (although PS 2.0 is recommended).

The future of glN64 is unclear. Although it will definately be continued in some form, whether or not I will integrate the two plugins into one, or keep them seperate, I haven't decided...

I hope you all enjoy the plugin. I expect to be able to put more work in to it in the future, as next week is finals week...

EDIT:
I fixed a couple bugs tonight and updated the ZIP, so re-download to get the following fixes:

• Fixed a bug in the blender that could cause fog to be enabled at the wrong time
• Fixed a bug that could cause missing textures if an advanced filter is selected

Good to see a release from Orkin again! Grab the file by clicking the link below.

Download Direct64 v0.5 ALPHA

[Hexidecimal]

I love this plugin already, even in it's alpha the progress is very nice, and it's emulating things extremely well when compatible. Awesome work Orkin, keep it up. Nice to see big advancements in an emulation area that seems to be slowing down.

[mesman00]

screenshot time, lets see em.

[talker]

the PJ64 failes everytime i try to load a game.. it's boot up.. and then fails..

[Trotterwatch]

talker, that is because your video card doesn't support the plugin.

[BFeely]

Wow, that's the best image on Zelda Majora's Mask Ihave ever seen. However, when the bell rings in the morning and the display shrinks, there is a little glitch:

EDIT: Oops, forgot to post my system specs: Windows XP Pro, NVidia GeforceFX 5200, Forceware 60.72. Also, the Bomber's notebook doesn't display.

[CLSugarman]

YAY!!!! So happy to see Orkin still working. Keep up the good work. I'll be testing it on my dorm computer, laptop and desktop when i get the chance

[-Shadow-]

Wow, that's the best image on Zelda Majora's Mask Ihave ever seen. However, when the bell rings in the morning and the display shrinks, there is a little glitch

That's not a glitch , i see you never played it on a real n64 , that effect is present there . Orkins plugin is the first one , which emulates this effect properly , gln64 + Jabo's are hiding it , and most of the other plugins turn the screen to black , it's like with the motion blur .

[The Khan Artist]

Look at the very bottom and right side of that screenshot again.

[Doomulation]

That's not a glitch , i see you never played it on a real n64 , that effect is present there . Orkins plugin is the first one , which emulates this effect properly , gln64 + Jabo's are hiding it , and most of the other plugins turn the screen to black , it's like with the motion blur .

1) Glide64 emulates this affect as well, so you're wrong there.
2) The image isn't really shrinked, but rather pushed off the screen if you noticed. The black border is only on the left side of the screen.