I have max brightness problems with just normal FSO as well, yet only applies to fighters. I'm going to try making a seperate FSO folder and see how that goes.
It must be a shine or something else that's stuffing things up.
Is it possible that multiple shine maps are being used, thus causing over brightness or something?

Anyway, great stuff DaBrain! I like the thrusters effect, the backgrounds would be the only thing I'd complain about.

I can probably do one or two cell maps.
I was actually going to take a look at making some cell explosions too. So you get that cartoonish look as well as a "BOOOM!" written over the top.

You seem to be on a roll though, if you get the chance take a stab.
