EVE: Viridian Patch Notes - Graphics

EVE Online's Viridian expansion, set to launch today, is the game's second full expansion since the return of the content format in November 2022. The patch notes are fairly extensive. Instead of just composing a surface-level single post giving my thoughts, I thought I'd do a little experiment. Are people interested in perhaps a little deeper coverage? I'm about to find out, as this post covers the new graphics introduced in Viridian.

Graphics - For a game entering its third decade of operation, EVE Online is a very pretty game. To complete with modern games today, CCP is constantly updating the graphics. The latest updates are:

• Volumetric clouds have been introduced in the Homefront Operation sites. These clouds have a three-dimensional appearance, adding depth and realism to the environment.
  
  
• Missile impacts have received updates across all warhead size classes. 
  
  
• The missile will now explode outwards in the opposite direction of the impact vector. 
• Missile impacts will illuminate nearby surfaces. 
• The visual effects (VFX) of the impact will be slightly smaller when viewed from closer camera distances, decided on impact spawn ranging from 30km to 10km. 
• Flare brightness has been adjusted based on camera distance to avoid overwhelming players when viewed up close. 
• Improved gameplay readability has been achieved using shape language and differentiation. 
  
  
• 68 Frigates of the empire-based factions have received FX (special effects) and lighting updates. This includes the addition of lights and effects to enhance their visual appearance.
  
  
• Marauders have received FX and lighting updates. Lights and effects have been added to improve their visual representation.
  
  
• Upwell Citadels, namely Astrahus, Fortizar, and Keepstar, have undergone an FX and lighting pass. Lights and effects have been added to enhance the visual appeal of these structures. 
  
  
• Planets have been added as shadow casters. This means that the planets now contribute to casting shadows in the game, further enhancing the visual fidelity of the environment. 

This is the last of 8 posts I've composed and published based on the patch notes of the Viridian expansion. Not because I don't appreciate the efforts of CCP's art department, but because players will notice as long as they can press the undock button.  Hopefully people will find the little additions I've made to the patch notes, if not useful, then interesting.