3DMark team resides in a rather cold environment (Finland) they probably figured .. why not do something with that.

A newest level in the graphics test is called Deep Freeze .. and since the Fututurmark originates from a rather cold place I think that 3DMark was developed at this base people ;)

The demo takes place in an arctic environment. You'll notice a somewhat scary looking research base where the camera position will guide you over that base. Have a close look at the snowstorm, object detail and most of all the complex shadows. An extremely exciting demo, and with more horsepower in terms of your graphics card (once it'll look real-time) you'll agree with me that it is a gorgeously rendered 3D scene.

An amazing scene .. you need to see this in realtime (if you can that is), Again atmospheric scattering effect yet also a subsurface scattering effect is what we see here. A rather noticeable HDR effect for the sunset.

The focus for this level is all about Shader model 2 and 3. HDR in gigantic landscaping, amazing dynamic long soft shadows at daytime/nighttime scenarios, again the heterogeneous fog which is this time used for that beautiful snowstorm effect and the snowy surface uses a subsurface scattering effect. Since this again is an outdoor scene you'll notice only one light source, the sun with a good amount of HDR being utilized.

Here we see a HDR sun with bloom effect, streaks and lensflare. Look closely at the shadow coming from that antenna .. these are dynamic soft shadows.

A pretty amazing test .. mind you that at the very end of this test you'll notice a very familiar logo in the snow.