Graphics
Ongoing coverage on Graphics.
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Dead or Alive 6 Last Round Producer Yosuke Hayashi Talks Improvements, Photo Mode, & More
Koei Tecmo producer Yosuke Hayashi discusses Dead or Alive 6: Last Round, an enhanced version of the 2019 fighting game launching on PlayStation 5. The interview highlights improvements like the Oboro lighting system, 4K support, and an extensive Photo Mode. Hayashi also confirms that five previously released DLC characters will be included from the start, with plans for further post-launch content and a new character.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger free update launches July 9, adds Terriermon Assistant, Graphics Mode options, more
Bandai Namco and Media.Vision are releasing a free update for Digimon Story: Time Stranger on July 9 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, and July 10 for Nintendo Switch. The update adds Terriermon Assistant as a playable character, a Photo Mode, and a Graphics Mode selection option, allowing for up to 60 frames per second on consoles.
Runescape's "biggest visual overhaul" in over a decade has arrived, and its fresh faces are a huge improvement
Jagex has released the biggest visual overhaul for Runescape in over a decade, focusing on a significant improvement to player avatar models and customization options. This update, which began development in 2021, aims to make characters more lifelike while retaining the game's core aesthetic. It follows other recent improvements like the removal of the Treasure Hunter system and UI refreshes.
Handheld gaming in 2026 just got better, but at a big cost: here are the best handheld gaming PCs unveiled at Computex…
Computex 2026 has seen the unveiling of several new handheld gaming PCs from manufacturers like Asus, Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer, featuring Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme processor. These devices aim to improve performance, visual enjoyment, and comfort, with some models like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and OneXPlayer 3 showing significant performance gains over previous generations. However, high potential price points, with rumors suggesting bundles could reach $2,000, may impact their market success.
Bungie vet says OG Halo beats Campaign Evolved and its "modern, AAA, fancy Unreal graphics" because "the constraints actually make it a stronger game"
A former Bungie design lead, Niles Sankey, believes the original Halo's graphical constraints made it a stronger game than modern remakes like Halo: Campaign Evolved. He argues that excessive detail in "fancy Unreal graphics" can impair battlefield readability and enemy visibility, which are crucial for gameplay.
Intel announces two Arc G-Series chips for handheld gaming PCs, promising 'seamless gaming experiences on the…
Intel has officially announced its new Panther Lake-based processors for handheld gaming PCs: the Intel Arc G3 and Intel Arc G3 Extreme. These chips feature integrated Intel Arc graphics and a hybrid core design, promising seamless gaming experiences. Handheld devices from Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer utilizing these new processors are expected to launch in the coming months.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 is Co-Developed by Warzone Mobile Studio
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on October 23rd for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a native version also coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. Infinity Ward is co-developing the Switch 2 version with Digital Legends, a studio that previously worked on Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. The game will feature advanced graphics options, including ray tracing and upscaling technologies like DLSS 4.5 on PC, and will support Xbox Play Anywhere.
Crimson Desert’s Latest Update Is Better Than Expected
Crimson Desert has received its latest update, patch 1.08, which introduces several significant changes and improvements. Key additions include a dedicated tool slot, the ability to construct ponds for fish, and the introduction of new small animals like a baby Wyvern. The update also enhances gameplay with new firearm options for Kliff, improved UI features like reassignable input keys, and graphical enhancements such as ray-traced sun/moon light shadows.
Crimson Desert Version 1.08 Update Adds Baby Wyverns, New Pond System, and More | Invision Game Community
The latest Crimson Desert Version 1.08 update introduces significant new content and improvements, including Baby Wyverns as pets and a new pond management system for fishing. The patch also brings a dedicated tool slot for equipment, major combat and traversal refinements, graphical upgrades like raytraced shadows for PC, and hundreds of bug fixes. This substantial update aims to enhance the overall player experience and lays the groundwork for future content.
Former Splinter Cell Creative Director Says Realistic Graphics Are Causing Problems for Modern Stealth Games
The former creative director of Splinter Cell believes that advancements in realistic graphics, particularly lighting and shadows, are creating challenges for modern stealth game design. These graphical improvements make it harder for both players and developers to implement traditional stealth mechanics effectively.
PS5 Pro Upgrades Confirmed for Highly Anticipated 007 Game
IO Interactive has confirmed that 007 First Light will feature robust PlayStation 5 Pro upgrades, including PSSR 2.0 support, cleaner visuals, and sharper character presentation. These enhancements will be available at launch for PlayStation 5 Pro owners. Technical director Henrik Schlichter and principal render engineer Jon Rocatis praised the ease of integration and immediate visual improvements.
The AI-Powered Tech Behind PSSR 2 Is Coming To Older AMD GPUs, Including The Steam Machine
AMD announced that its AI-powered upscaling technology, FSR 4.1, will be available on older GPU generations, including RDNA 3 cards starting in July and RDNA 2 GPUs in early 2027. This expansion brings the technology, also used in PSSR 2 on PlayStation 5 Pro, to hardware like the Steam Deck and potentially consoles such as the Xbox Series X, depending on developer implementation.
Video: Digital Foundry Delivers Its Tech Verdict For Indiana Jones On Switch 2
Digital Foundry has released a technical analysis of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the Nintendo Switch, praising its visual fidelity and performance. The game utilizes advanced graphical features like ray-traced global illumination and DLSS to achieve a 1080p resolution when docked, often surpassing the Xbox Series S. While some performance drops occur in busy environments, the overall experience is considered remarkable for the hybrid console.
BioShock Creator: Switch 2 Proves Graphics Have Reached "Diminishing Returns"
BioShock creator Ken Levine believes that hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Valve's upcoming Steam Machine indicate a point of diminishing returns for graphical realism in video games. He argues that stylized visuals age better than ultra-realistic graphics, which are also more expensive to develop and don't necessarily enhance the player experience.
Quoteworthy
Ken Levine, creator of BioShock, explains his decision to prioritize stylized graphics over realism for the original game and his upcoming title Judas. He believes realistic graphics age poorly and prefers a distinct artistic vision. The article also briefly mentions a producer from Dead Space casting doubt on a potential remake.
"It's expensive and it doesn't age": Why Ken Levine didn't aim for realistic graphics in BioShock, and won't for Judas either
BioShock director Ken Levine prioritizes artistic style over photorealistic graphics in his upcoming game Judas, arguing that realism is expensive and ages poorly. He believes that strong art direction, rather than cutting-edge technology, is key to a game's lasting appeal, citing the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck as examples of platforms focusing on form factor over raw power. Levine also draws parallels between Judas's complex narrative branching and Larian Studios' work on Baldur's Gate 3, emphasizing the engineering and organizational challenges over technological demands.
Roblox wants AI to make its games photorealistic, but the devs making those games aren't sold on the idea: 'I don't think that your average player right now wants to do that'
Roblox is exploring the use of AI to create photorealistic graphics for its games, a move that has met with skepticism from developers like Alec Kieft. Kieft, co-creator of '99 Nights in the Forest,' argues that the platform's current minimalist aesthetic is a feature, not a bug, allowing players to focus on gameplay and making games accessible. While Roblox may be aiming for a broader audience, developers believe the demand for high-fidelity graphics on the platform is currently niche.
What Star Fox tells us about the Ocarina Of Time remake - Reader’s Feature
This reader's feature speculates on how a potential remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 might turn out, drawing parallels with the recently announced Star Fox 64 remake. The author discusses potential graphical styles, the inclusion of voice acting, and the importance of gameplay innovation over a purely graphical update for long-time fans.
Harley’s Humongous Adventure
Harley's Humongous Adventure is an action platformer with a "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" premise where players control a scientist shrunk to ant size. While the game features a unique claymation-on-pixel-art visual style and varied level design with multiple paths, it suffers from inconsistent hit detection, frustrating controls, and a lack of polish, making it a mediocre experience that may lose player interest before completion.
This Black Flag Resynced comparison to the original perfectly shows just how far graphics have come since 2013
A comparison of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced with the original 2013 game highlights significant advancements in graphical fidelity, including lighting, shaders, and texture quality. The remake also features improved draw distance and atmospheric effects, showcasing the capabilities of Ubisoft's Anvil engine.