I downgraded my steam GTA4 version to 1.0.4.0 yesterday, and applied the icehancer 2.1 patch together with the the other patches that involved getting the game to work. It worked and I saw some improvement, but it was not like OP
After playing I've applied the Better City Textures (mentioned in OP) and the game crashed just after loading the mission, I tried putting back the backup textures but no-go. So I've deleted the whole GTA4 folder and i'll just wait for the Icehancer 2.1 steam version together with the config tool.
Can you share your ice hancer configfile ?
*edit*
Final Version is out from iCEnhancer 2.1 also for steam and episodes from libertycity version @ http://icelaglace.com/
After playing I've applied the Better City Textures (mentioned in OP) and the game crashed just after loading the mission, I tried putting back the backup textures but no-go. So I've deleted the whole GTA4 folder and i'll just wait for the Icehancer 2.1 steam version together with the config tool.
Been messing with all of the different light values. It was a bit too dark at night. Still trying to find a good balance though.
Can you share your ice hancer configfile ?
*edit*
Final Version is out from iCEnhancer 2.1 also for steam and episodes from libertycity version @ http://icelaglace.com/