OpenMW, the open source Morrowind engine replacer, is now at version 0.48.0. The latest update adds a post-processing shader framework to make 21-year-old RPGs look better, and a new Lua scripting API The OpenMW team said in the release announcement, "Both of these features, greatly extend what the engine can offer in terms of visual fidelity and game logic."

A whole bunch of bugs in the engine were also quietly put on a boat and taken somewhere to be forgotten. Among the notable patch notes: "Birthsign abilities increase base stats. Good news for those who choose to be born under the "Lady" sign for the sweet buffs to Personality and Endurance, or under the "Steed" sign for the 25 extra points of speed.

Other changes include: the AI no longer tries to attack before the aiming is finished, the game no longer freezes while taking screenshots, and the player's allies no longer react to crimes committed by the player. Yes, Caius Cosades, you shut up.

Morrowind's mod scene has been going on for a long time, although it hasn't spawned the flood of creations that the current Skyrim scene has. Recently, PxR: Cliff Racers Begone appeared and seems to have accomplished what other mods have promised but never fully delivered. Good riddance.

These updates to OpenMW make it seem like a more attractive option, but there is still one thing missing. While not required, script extenders allow mods to add functionality beyond antique games; once OpenMW supports this, there will be no reason to continue playing with the original engine.

OpenMW 0.48.0 is available for download from GitHub.