Major update
Many models that were previously loaded from files are now patched in memory - this reduces load times and mod size, as well as improves compatibility with other mods
All assets that are still loaded from files have been rearranged to use a folder structure like in SADX split
A complete comparison was done between SA1DC and SADXPC models (except Chao and cutscene models), and all differences except some collision models were replaced
Most fixes in the mod's code were rewritten to better integrate with the game's original code, and many object restorations now reuse leftover SADX code
The mod's internal systems, including level and model loading, have been reworked to reduce clutter in the mod's code and improve performance
Many transparency hacks have been reworked to use less code
Labels have been removed from all sa1lvl, sa1mdl and saanim files to reduce the mod's size and improve load times (if you still need labels, you can use the .salabel files in the labels folder on the repo)
The code of the mod has been rewritten to use function and variable names, structures and asset labels from X360 symbols wherever possible - this makes the mod's code cleaner and much more readable
Most custom texture lists were removed in favor of the Mod Loader's automatic texlist resizing
The mod now exports variables for other mods to check if certain levels are enabled (see "For mod developers.txt" in the mod folder)
The title screen's lighting is now a bit closer to the original, although still not 100% the same
The title screen is now using a generated palette instead of a PL file
The title screen is now using the Mod Loader's scaling API
Knuckles' Maximum Heat aura effect is now more faithful to the original game
Collision for the item box is now rotated when using Optimized SET files
The common switch now has a smoother effect when it is pressed (more like on DC)
The lighting effects in all levels have been reworked to use the game's internal palette arrays instead of Lantern API
Most Lantern material hacks have been removed
The environment mapping hack in Egg Hornet is now compatible with Metal Sonic
The lighting effects in Egg Viper are now more faithful to the original game
The street lights in Station Square now look closer to the original game (they get offset slightly though)
Death zones in some levels have been adjusted to be like their Dreamcast counterparts
The shutter blocking Station Square's Casino area is now using the correct texture (bug in the original game)
The cutscene after fighting Chaos 2 no longer has an awkward pause with Knuckles walking in place
Chao animals are now completely replaced with their SA1 DC counterparts in all areas, including the Chao Gardens
The hints in the Chao Garden and the "Now Saving" text are now using the game's leftover data instead of hardcoded text
The Chao can now pick up toys in Chao Race (fix by Exant)
In Chao Stadium, the Chao now do a little dance before the race begins
Added a "Disable Chao replacements" option to config
The "Assume OIT" config option has been removed
The water animations in Egg Hornet and Speed Highway Act 3 (the fountain) were not recreated in this update