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[Lunatic_Gamer]

To delve into greater detail about their experience with Sony's new console, we interviewed Eduard Gonzalez, Principal Engine Programmer at HEXWORKS. Gonzalez lavished praise on the PS5 Pro hardware and revealed that this version actually runs on the highest PC settings available.



Unreal Engine 5 has been known to have spotty performance on PS5 (and Xbox Series S|X). Is the PS5 Pro a significant improvement in that regard?

Unreal Engine 5 has empowered developers to increase triangle density in games by an order of magnitude. Achieving smooth framerates with this level of visual detail required several iterations of both the engine and content, but we’ve now reached a point where we can deliver a vastly enhanced experience showcasing the visual power of UE5. With this foundation, the PS5 Pro hardware upgrade marks a significant step forward. It enables further improvements to object visibility, texture density, and overall resolution, all while boosting framerates. The PS5 was solid, but the Pro is truly exceptional hardware.

What is the single feature you were most impressed with after getting your hands on the hardware?

The PS5 Pro enhances the PS5 base model in every aspect: a faster GPU, quicker CPU, upgraded raytracing units, additional memory, and custom machine learning hardware. If we had to highlight a single standout feature, it would be the GPU, which belongs to a hardware generation beyond the original.

Compared to the jump between PS4 Pro and PS4, would you say the PS5 Pro-PS5 difference is similar or reduced (e.g., the advancement is more or less significant)?

While the advancement is somewhat comparable, the PS5 Pro makes a more significant leap, especially with the introduction of custom machine learning hardware. This addition unlocks a whole new realm of possibilities for visual and performance enhancements.

How much of an improvement is there between the PS5 and PS5 Pro versions of Lords of the Fallen?

The improvement is noticeable, with a 40% increase in the game’s native rendering resolution. This enhancement makes a significant difference, especially on 4K screens, where details are far more visible, truly letting high-end TVs shine. In the PS5 Pro version of Lords of the Fallen, Performance Mode provides rich visual detail at 4K60 (upscaled from 1440p) with a fluid 60 frames per second, as well as sharper distant details and refined textures on characters and environments. For those playing in Quality Mode, this runs at a native 4K30, allowing up to showcase intricate visuals across the dual realms of Axiom and Umbral at a stable 30 FPS.

Are you using PSSR? What do you think about it compared to established upscalers like NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS?

PSSR is an impressive technology, offering quality comparable to DLSS and Unreal Engine 5’s built-in upscaling, with the added benefit of being embedded directly in the console, making it compatible with any engine: PSSR is undeniably a valuable addition. After extensive testing, we found no visual differences compared to our custom version of UE5's upscaling, which is also highly robust. Therefore, we decided to continue using our own upscaling method.

How does the PS5 Pro version stack with the maxed-out PC game? Will the PS5 Pro version feature the highest graphics settings available on PC?

The game indeed utilizes the highest graphics settings available on PC. As I touched upon earlier, players can select between two graphics modes: Performance Mode and Quality Mode. Performance Mode is optimized for a smooth experience, while Quality Mode focuses on delivering the sharpest visuals. The primary distinction between these modes is the native rendering resolution, which dynamically adjusts to meet target frame rates - 60 FPS for Performance Mode and 30 FPS for Quality Mode. In short, you’ll enjoy top-tier PC graphics on the PS5 Pro, but you’ll need to choose between native 4K at 30 FPS or upscaled 4K at 60 FPS.

The big controversy about Sony's new console is pricing. Based on the hardware, is it fair or excessive?

Building a PC with comparable components - GPU, CPU, memory, and SSD - at a similar quality level would be significantly more costly, so it’s great to see Sony is bringing this high-end hardware to a wider audience. Rest assured, our game runs great on the standard PS5, so if the PS5 Pro is out of budget you will still enjoy Lords of the Fallen, but if you do have that extra budget, the PS5 Pro truly elevates the experience!

PS5 Pro Runs Max PC Settings in Lords of the Fallen, Says Dev; 'A Comparable PC Would Be More Costly'

We interviewed the Principal Engine Programmer at HEXWORKS to discuss the studio's experience with the PS5 Pro to enhance Lords of the Fallen

wccftech.com

 

[Mr Hyde]

This is the game that makes me want to buy a Pro.

 

[Gaiff]

This is the game that makes me want to buy a Pro.

It’s a bad game.

 

[TintoConCasera]

This is the game that makes me want to buy a Pro.

Do yourself a favor and get Lies of P instead.

 

[Magic Carpet]

It is a game that gets well over 60FPS on my RTX 4070 no need for DLSS.
I think the PS5 PRO without PSSR can handle it too.

Played some of this on Gamepass. It's not very good.

 

[Optimus Lime]

>top tier PC graphics
>30 fps
>60 fps

 

[Pyral Phoenix]

Umm, won't they also admit the PC port is bad?

 

[Represent.]

>top tier PC graphics
>30 fps
>60 fps

framerate has nothing to do with visual fidelity

 

[Optimus Lime]

framerate has nothing to do with visual fidelity

 

[TintoConCasera]

For those playing in Quality Mode, this runs at a native 4K30

How's this not 60? Should be capable enough with PSSR.

Umm, won't they also admit the PC port is bad?

Mind you I tried the game after the myriad of patches they made for it, but I thought it ran pretty well. Nice visuals too, but sadly I felt like the game kinda sucks.

 

[Gaiff]

How's this not 60? Should be capable enough with PSSR.

Don't think so.

Of course, this benchmark is old. Maybe it got a few performance updates since, but 4K60 max settings even with PSSR upscaling from 1440p is out of reach.

 

[XXL]

framerate has nothing to do with visual fidelity

Also, tags have nothing to do with the poster they are given to.

 

[Bojji]

After AW2 I think people should be more careful with what developers are saying.

 

[Horseganador]

I suspect this thread will have few replies.

 

[Represent.]

Also, tags have nothing to do with the poster they are given to.

The only relation framerate and visual fidelity have is… the higher the framerate, the uglier the game.

 

[Zuzu]

I think the 60fps mode will be a dynamic 1440p upscaled to 4k since Digital Foundry said regarding the Series X version:

“On average, the typical reading on Series X trends towards 60fps at least - while its performance mode's resolution is a dynamic 1152p, dropping to 648p lowest in GPU-taxing areas. Higher resolutions are possible too - and we saw one 1215p sample when looking at the sky - but this is the most typical range.”

The PS5 base version was/is probably similar, so I would expect dynamic resolution on Pro as well. I’m sure it’ll look good though.

 

[bundylove]

Do yourself a favor and get Lies of P instead.

Does it have a pro patch yet?

 

[Hrk69]

This is the game that makes me want to buy a Pro.

Do yourself a favor and avoid playing these disappointing From Software imitators

 

[TintoConCasera]

Does it have a pro patch yet?

I dunno. But it sure is a better game the LOTF.

 

[Nex240]

Another UE5 game that stuck to inferior software lumen for parity with Consoles, good thing Silent Hill 2 didn't do this cause god software lumen sucks when it comes to reflections.
Also someone should check these devs for lying about all these "native 4K" games when they upscale from like 1276p.

 

[NeverYouMind]

This is the game that makes me want to buy a Pro.

Just play the game. I enjoyed it on a Series S even with some frame drops on GamePass. It runs better on higher end hardware (own it on PC now) but the core experience is the same. There are not any super dark areas, low quality textures, or grainy effects that negatively affect the experience. At worst you will have an area partially load in for a fraction of a second.

 

[Skifi28]

I'd be interesting in seeing DF cover that.

 

[TheStam]

I was just trying this out today on Game Pass. It ran well enough, but movement felt awkward and the fact that it was such a blatant "We've got Dark Souls at home" game made me uninstall it. Maybe I was quick to judge it (the Game Pass effect), but at least something like Lies of P had it's own unique vibe with the whole Pinocchio thing going for it.

 

[Mhmmm 2077]

upscaled 1440p or native 4k30 is not "pc settings" for most respectable PC gamers though

 

[Venom Snake]

After AW2 I think people should be more careful with what developers are saying.

You could also say that after LotF people should be more careful about building narratives based on what AW2 developers did

 

[TehGoomba7s]

framerate has nothing to do with visual fidelity

It has everything to do with it. Unless you stand still and take screenshot, 30fps modes are horrible to play. You lose so much detail the second you move the camera.

 

[NeverYouMind]

I was just trying this out today on Game Pass. It ran well enough, but movement felt awkward and the fact that it was such a blatant "We've got Dark Souls at home" game made me uninstall it. Maybe I was quick to judge it (the Game Pass effect), but at least something like Lies of P had it's own unique vibe with the whole Pinocchio thing going for it.

The start of the game is mediocre. The good stuff is locked off until you get past the swamp. Even so, it is a lot more responsive, weighty (especially heavy weapons), and novel in its implementation of perks and throwables than any Dark Souls game. It is pretty amazing to be tossing grenades at the cost of replenishable health and regaining it upon impact. The lore is also impressive in how you interact with NPC memories/fates and choose one of three futures for the world. One thing I hate is that it is easy to get lost and there are a lot of paths to cover to grab all the loot on replays. Some quests can automatically fail when you progress past a point as well, but that is par for the course.

P.S. I still do not fully understand the special attacks for +10 boss weapons. Some apparently have prerequisites for using them such as items acquired during a new cycle?

 

[RoboCain]

I'd love to know the behind scenes of this type of statements.

Did the Devs make a deal with Sony? Are they taking the opportunity of a new console release to boost their sales? Are they simply fans?

 

[Skifi28]

upscaled 1440p or native 4k30 is not "pc settings" for most respectable PC gamers though

30fps, sure. "Upscaled" 1440p is how most high-end GPU owners play though. Few people go with native 4k. I'm on a 4070 and I play most games with "upscaled" 950p.

 

[jburdick7]

Better performance doesn’t change that the game really isn’t all that good. Even after the patches it felt like a chore to play, I ended up just running past most enemies & mobs because fighting them felt like a waste of time & resources. They did a pretty poor job balancing challenge & tedium.

Lies of P is significantly better and is the best non-From soulsbourne game by a country mile. Can’t wait to see what those guys are cooking up next.

 

[CosmicComet]

It’s a bad game.

No, it's not. It's great.

Keep in mind i didn't play it at launch. I played it 3 months ago.

 

[Gaiff]

No, it's not. It's great.

Keep in mind i didn't play it at launch. I played it 3 months ago.

Unless they fixed the repetitive enemies and tedious combat encounters, it’s still a bad game.

 

[hemo memo]

Linus: Challenge accepted.

 

[JaksGhost]

How's this not 60? Should be capable enough with PSSR.


Mind you I tried the game after the myriad of patches they made for it, but I thought it ran pretty well. Nice visuals too, but sadly I felt like the game kinda sucks.

The base PS5 ran the Quality Mode in a dynamic range between 1296p-1620p with lower quality settings than Pro while the Performance Mode ran 648p-1152p. Now we're looking at a Native 4K image in Quality and 1440p (upscaled to 4K) in Performance in with Max PC settings so I would say it's a solid boost.

 

[Hohenheim]

"In short, you’ll enjoy top-tier PC graphics on the PS5 Pro, but you’ll need to choose between native 4K at 30 FPS or upscaled 4K at 60 FPS"

Yeah.. that's not top tier PC experience. No top graphics is worth playing at 30 fps.
Upscaled 4K at 60 fps sounds ok for what the ps5 pro is: a console equivalent to mid-range PC rig.

I really enjoyed this game btw. Clunky as fuck, but ok overall and some fantastic designs and atmosphere.

 

[Clintizzle]

I want more threads about PS5 Pro performing better than PC.

I cant wait for the next one!

 

[CosmicComet]

Unless they fixed the repetitive enemies and tedious combat encounters, it’s still a bad game.

I found no issues in either regard.

It's not a long game, doesn't wear out it's welcome, and has some excellent boss fights.

I literally played Dark Souls 3 again right after Lords of the Fallen and it felt archaic by comparison. And I don't mean graphics. Lords of the fallen's combat tweaks to duel wielding and dodging over the normal souls formula made Dark Souls 3 feel like a chore in comparison.

 

[Pyral Phoenix]

Mind you I tried the game after the myriad of patches they made for it, but I thought it ran pretty well. Nice visuals too, but sadly I felt like the game kinda sucks.

Actually, I finished this game when it was released, I liked the world design a lot and a lot of ideas clicked with me, Booted it up again when I upgraded to a 4080, It's working well, but not as well as it should be tbh

 

[Gaiff]

I found no issues in either regard.

It's not a long game, doesn't wear out it's welcome, and has some excellent boss fights.

I literally played Dark Souls 3 again right after Lords of the Fallen and it felt archaic by comparison. And I don't mean graphics. Lords of the fallen's combat tweaks to duel wielding and dodging over the normal souls formula made Dark Souls 3 feel like a chore in comparison.

I didn’t enjoy fighting the same 5 enemies over and over again.

 

[NeverYouMind]

Better performance doesn’t change that the game really isn’t all that good. Even after the patches it felt like a chore to play, I ended up just running past most enemies & mobs because fighting them felt like a waste of time & resources. They did a pretty poor job balancing challenge & tedium.

Lies of P is significantly better and is the best non-From soulsbourne game by a country mile. Can’t wait to see what those guys are cooking up next.

If you acquired crossbow's best bolts or the best throwables or the Seismic Slam (infernal) or Latimer's Javelin (umbral) the enemies would die quickly. Some dual wielded weapons also shred enemies in proximity.

 

[IntentionalPun]

That’s rather obvious.

 

[CosmicComet]

I didn’t enjoy fighting the same 5 enemies over and over again.

Cool.

I didn't only fight 5 enemies. There's like 50.

Not to say enemy variety couldn't have been better, but it also had things you won't see in Dark Souls.

Like a boss rush mode.

 

[poppabk]

I'd love to know the behind scenes of this type of statements.

Did the Devs make a deal with Sony? Are they taking the opportunity of a new console release to boost their sales? Are they simply fans?

Reread the PSSR bit for some idea.

 

[NeverYouMind]

Cool.

I didn't only fight 5 enemies. There's like 50.

Not to say enemy variety couldn't have been better, but it also had things you won't see in Dark Souls.

Like a boss rush mode.

There is variety but there are a few too many in any given area. Kind of feels like Bloodborne Chalice Dungeons in that way.

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

After AW2 I think people should be more careful with what developers are saying.

Yeah we should considering how incompetent remedy is with its optimizations.

 

[Minsc]

Max PC settings should never be 60 fps. That's horseshit.

 

[NeverYouMind]

Yeah we should considering how incompetent remedy is with its optimizations.

Max Payne was always a step ahead and it is only with ray tracing implementation that they have failed. It has more to do with ray tracing being the rendering target at excessive cost.

 

[Lysandros]

Interesting that he uses "custom machine learning hardware" twice for the PSSR enabler component, exact words from Cerny in PS5 PRO presentation. As if there is a specific terminology to refer to the feature required by Sony (with the emphasis on "custom").

 

[SweetTooth]

Anyone with a single functioning braincell knows that already.

 

[SweetTooth]

After AW2 I think people should be more careful with what developers are saying.

Yeah ignore "actual" devs and believe Bojji from his mom's basement? Lol