Yeah, the math involved in true water simulation must be pretty scary!.
I dunno why, but I like water effects in games, it's like when a water effect, shader, whatever is done nicely it really makes the game shine. Like GTA4 with it's dirty, trash strewn water - not the best looking but incredible with the way it moves, very realistic water effect that one. I have a game on the DS called Aqua Panic, it's kinda like a water based Lemmings game, little fish in a puddle of water, and you can direct it's flow by blowing up bits of level, turning valves etc, to try and get the little fishies to the exit. It's not exactly a fully 3D water simulation, but for a puzzle game it works out pretty damn well, it's fascinating to watch the water flow around the place, gather in little pools full of fish etc etc. I'm just glad that water is still something developer like to push, and if they keep pushing we should see some very cool games in future - decent surfing and water sport games for one thing
. It's daft, but even though they added the cool water to GTA4, it still feels like there are boats for the sole purpose of getting you home again when you end up in the drink!. The tug boat can be quite fun though.
