And many features work on non EAX games as well. Like CMSS-3D that creates incredible 3D positioning on only 2 speakers (i'm talking proper 3D space positioning, not some cheap echo effect filter), Elevation Filter handles reproduction of sounds above and below so you perceive them the same way you do in real life (they just sound different if they are above or below you).
And also sounds that are close to you sound very different. So you can always tell if a car is trying to pass you by or zombie is tearing you on the right side in L4D. Most ppl don't even know these things exist and affect sound because they all just run around screaming how Creative sucks. But as an old user of Aureal Vortex based soundcard and long time Creative user i know how to appreciate good sound. Not just in terms of raw quality but in terms of proper 3D sound positioning. Been taking sound as advantage in gaming for ages and have been accused of wallhacking several times, because i could read the 3D sound so well, it looked like i'm using a wall hack.
And also sounds that are close to you sound very different. So you can always tell if a car is trying to pass you by or zombie is tearing you on the right side in L4D. Most ppl don't even know these things exist and affect sound because they all just run around screaming how Creative sucks. But as an old user of Aureal Vortex based soundcard and long time Creative user i know how to appreciate good sound. Not just in terms of raw quality but in terms of proper 3D sound positioning. Been taking sound as advantage in gaming for ages and have been accused of wallhacking several times, because i could read the 3D sound so well, it looked like i'm using a wall hack.