Unreal 4 river Water
This is a river mesh and material in Unreal 4. The river utilizes vertex color painting to adjust water flow between fast, slower, and foamy edges. Towards the Waterfall the mesh uses the Vertex Alpha to switch to a 2nd UV channel as well as a 4th set of animated textures nodes which radiate outward from the waterfall itself. The material also becomes slightly more transparent depending on camera angle - looking directly downward at the water increases transparency (think how it's easier to see a fish when looking directly down on it). It's pretty subtle though, as is the difference between water speeds.
I'm not particularly happy with the accuracy of the reflection actors with translucency thus far, but more experimentation might yield better results.
A method for making the water ripple/move around character is also not yet decided upon/implemented. Any ideas on that front are welcome!
My portfolio/resume here: www.patrickdoran.net