look at the section where the light comes through the palms onto the road. the shadows have soft edges that get softer with distance from the object. thats a real light size simulation not a shadow map trick
also the haze over the water changes density with the sun angle. its subtle and its everywhere
Photo mode is going to consume my entire first playthrough and I have accepted this
The haze density over water changing with sun angle is going to make the Keys look completely different at different times of day and I am not prepared for it.
The light through the palms is the shot that put me right back in 2002 and it is not even the same game... it is just what that light does.
The distance based shadow softening is the detail I would point to as well. That is an area light approximation and it is expensive. They spent budget on something almost nobody will consciously notice.
thats the exact phrase i was reaching for, thank you