Why not trying Microsoft's Directx SDK? I'm not sure but it must be free to download&use!
I think, if someone makes some good shaders for the game, it would be great.
Look at these screenshots of Microsoft's Flight Simulator X:
Wonderful Shader Effects on the water surface with the last-gen pixel shader 2.0 power:
http://www.sebbylive.com/image.axd?pict ... _small.JPG
http://www.cenareal.com.br/Cor_FSX_14.jpg
They all have been made with the last gen technology power of Directx 9c.