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Ambient occlusion - how use

  Ambient occlusion (AO) is a shading technique that darkens creases, corners, and contact points to add depth and realism; it began appearing in real‑time games around 2007 and today ranges from cheap SSAO to high‑quality ray‑traced AO — you can safely turn it off in many 4K scenarios to reclaim GPU performance with little perceived loss when other lighting tech (like DLSS and GI) is active. Quick guide — key decisions before you toggle AO Performance vs fidelity: Do you need maximum frame rate at native 4K, or the last bit of visual polish? Type of AO: SSAO/HBAO are cheaper; ray‑traced AO is expensive but more accurate. Other tech in use: If you use DLSS or path tracing, AO’s visual contribution may be redundant. Answering those helps decide whether to keep AO on or off. What ambient occlusion is Ambient occlusion simulates how much ambient (indirect) light reaches a surface by darkening areas where geometry blocks light, producing soft, contact shadows that make scenes feel ...

Snake Rattle 'n' Roll: An Underrated Gem on the NES

 

Snake in 3D



Release Date and Background "Snake Rattle 'n' Roll" was developed by Rare and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America in July 1990 and in Europe on March 27, 1991. A version for the Sega Mega Drive was released in June 1993.

Producers and Developers The game was designed by Tim Stamper and programmed by Mark Betteridge. The music, inspired by 1950s-era songs like "Shake, Rattle and Roll," was composed by David Wise.


Story The game follows two snakes, Rattle and Roll, on their quest to reach the moon. Players control these snakes as they navigate through various levels, eating "Nibbley Pibbleys" to gain weight and ring a bell to advance to the next level.

Gameplay Mechanics "Snake Rattle 'n' Roll" is an isometric platformer where players control Rattle and Roll using the control pad. The snakes grow longer by eating Nibbley Pibbleys, which come in different colors. Each color affects the growth rate differently, with yellow Nibbley Pibbleys providing the most growth. The snakes can lash their tongues to attack enemies and pick up Nibbley Pibbleys. Players must avoid obstacles, enemies, and hazards like spikes and falling into water.



Levels The game features 11 isometric levels in the NES version, with an additional level in the Mega Drive version. Each level contains dispensers that randomly spew out Nibbley Pibbleys and bombs, adding to the challenge.

Length and Difficulty The game's length can vary depending on the player's skill level, but it typically takes a few hours to complete. "Snake Rattle 'n' Roll" is known for its high difficulty, with various enemies and obstacles that can cause the snakes to shrink or lose segments.



Why It's Underrated Despite its challenging gameplay and unique mechanics, "Snake Rattle 'n' Roll" is often overlooked. This could be due to its niche appeal and the fact that it was released during the NES's later years when many players had moved on to newer consoles. Additionally, its quirky art style and isometric perspective may not have appealed to everyone.

In conclusion, "Snake Rattle 'n' Roll" is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition for its innovative gameplay and charming design. Whether you're a fan of platformers or just looking for a nostalgic trip back to the NES era, this game is definitely worth a try.

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