Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Tech Analysis

[Emabulator]

http://evavhost.com/i/news/uncharted26.jpg http://evavhost.com/i/news/uncharted24.jpg

The Digital Foundry has posted an article (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-tech-analysis-uncharted-article) in which they analyze the "generational leap in visuals" Naughty Dog Software made with its latest PlayStation 3 title, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, compared to its previous offering, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune.

It's here that we see the many changes made to the Nepal level since that first GDC reveal. Shadowing and motion blur have seen big, big improvements. HDR effects appear to be in. Lighting looks superb too. Take a look at the beginning of the co-op video, where Drake passes through a shadow – there's no simple flip between light and dark on the character, the effect is graduated as he passes in and out of the light. Just as it should be... Just as it isn't on a great many console games with rudimentary shadow models.

The screen space ambient occlusion effect (SSAO) is clearly in evidence and while most implementations on console are accompanied by some artifacting, it's very minimal in Naughty Dog's implementation. Character animation also appears to be hugely improved over the first Uncharted outing.

This is clearly Naughty Dog coming into its own on the PlayStation 3 hardware.

[TeeCakes]

The power of console exclusives compels me to buy a new PS3 Slim, ASAP. But I might hold off since history tells me the 360 version of FFXIII will be better than the PS3 version-- I'm not sure why multiplatform devs either can't or won't match the coding chops of 2nd parties like Naughty Dog, but it's clear that these guys are in a league of their own when they thankfully don't have to worry about porting to an entirely different console.

[shadow763]

The only difference FFXIII could have would be in the aliasing, otherwise with the PS3 as the lead console I dont see how they would have it be the inferior version.

[EvilBob46]

The power of console exclusives compels me to buy a new PS3 Slim, ASAP. But I might hold off since history tells me the 360 version of FFXIII will be better than the PS3 version-- I'm not sure why multiplatform devs either can't or won't match the coding chops of 2nd parties like Naughty Dog, but it's clear that these guys are in a league of their own when they thankfully don't have to worry about porting to an entirely different console.

Sony's developers have a history of sharing technology amongst each other. For example, the terrible tearing due to lack of v-sync in U1 was resolved in Uncharted 2 thanks to other Sony developers' input (at least so I've heard).

As for FFXIII, the game's cinematics are rendered in 1080p on the PS3. I'd be extremely suprised if this was the case in the 360 version due to size constraints. There is no question that the 360 can handle this game, but when push comes to shove Square-Enix may choose to compress assets to keep the DVD amount to a minimum and thus degrade the 360 version. After all, comments from SE sound like the game is set for 3 DVDs and a lot of disk space may be taken up by duplicate files.

[EvilBob46]

The only difference FFXIII could have would be in the aliasing, otherwise with the PS3 as the lead console I dont see how they would have it be the inferior version.

Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 has 2xAnti-Aliasing, the same used in most 360 games that have AA (ditto the selective anti-aliasing in Batman Arkham Asylum and other Unreal engine games).

[EvilBob46]

And to clarify, FFXIII in-engine runs at 720p with 2 x Anti-Aliasing on the PS3, while the video cutscenes are in 1080p.

[shadow763]

Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 has 2xAnti-Aliasing, the same used in most 360 games that have AA (ditto the selective anti-aliasing in Batman Arkham Asylum and other Unreal engine games).

Well then perfect. I dont see how the 360 could trump it in anyway. That was the only thing I wondered about it. Either way I will get the PS3 version. Unless there is a glaring difference I tend to prefer to buy stuff on that console.

[TeeCakes]

Well then perfect. I dont see how the 360 could trump it in anyway. That was the only thing I wondered about it. Either way I will get the PS3 version. Unless there is a glaring difference I tend to prefer to buy stuff on that console.

I expected this argument to hold true for the Ghostbusters game, but surprisingly the PS3 version turned out to be severely gimped in comparison to the 360 (graphics-wise).

Of course, it's unclear if the PS3 was really the lead console for that game or not, still I'm not taking any chances on a title I've literally been waiting since the start of this console gen to be released. There's also the troubling fact that this is the first major Final Fantasy title (not counting 11) to be released as a multiplatform game, so all bets are off and I have literally no idea what to expect.

More on topic, though, it looks like the arguments of the PS3's inferior RSX vs the 360's GPU don't really hold up considering the geek gushing this article produces for U2's graphics. Seems like the only limitation is a devs' own skill, IMO.

[modeps]

And to clarify, FFXIII in-engine runs at 720p with 2 x Anti-Aliasing on the PS3, while the video cutscenes are in 1080p.

Does this mean that me TV will switch between 1080p and 720p display modes during the game?

[bskeillor]

I waited and bought my PS3 when Uncharted hit. I have never regretted it and it is by far my lead console. If it had half of the old arcade games the Xbox Live did, I'm not sure I would even need an XBOX anymore.

The big question is which game comes first, Brutal Legend or Uncharted 2.....

[EvilBob46]

Does this mean that me TV will switch between 1080p and 720p display modes during the game?

FFXIII upscales the 720p in-game image to 1080p to prevent this from happening. The PS3's scaler is incomplete and does not allow "free" upscaling in performance terms, unlike the 360's complete hardware scaler. Presumably they worked around this issue in the PS3 version by upscaling partially or entirely via software?

[wastedyears]

Sony's developers have a history of sharing technology amongst each other. For example, the terrible tearing due to lack of v-sync in U1 was resolved in Uncharted 2 thanks to other Sony developers' input (at least so I've heard).


I've played Uncharted alot. I have the platinum trophy (trophy for getting all other trophies), but I've never noticed the 'terrible tearing' from lack of v-sync. Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is also said to have tearing problems but I don't remember seeing it in that game either, on either system. I bought it for 360 first and played all the way through the campaign and tons of multiplayer. Then I got a PS3 so I bought the PS3 version because I was tired of paying to play online multiplayer. I've finished the campaign twice and played tons of multiplayer, but I don't remember noticing tearing while I was playing either version. Even in games where I do notice it, its never been bad enough to be distracting.

[EvilBob46]

I've played Uncharted alot. I have the platinum trophy (trophy for getting all other trophies), but I've never noticed the 'terrible tearing' from lack of v-sync. Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is also said to have tearing problems but I don't remember seeing it in that game either, on either system. I bought it for 360 first and played all the way through the campaign and tons of multiplayer. Then I got a PS3 so I bought the PS3 version because I was tired of paying to play online multiplayer. I've finished the campaign twice and played tons of multiplayer, but I don't remember noticing tearing while I was playing either version. Even in games where I do notice it, its never been bad enough to be distracting.

This video illustrates the tearing problem in Uncharted due to lack of V-sync:
http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/digitalfoundry-uncharted-the-v-sync-difference?size=hd
The right video has v-sync applied to the video file to stimulate what the game would look like if it had v-sync.

[shadow763]

More on topic, though, it looks like the arguments of the PS3's inferior RSX vs the 360's GPU don't really hold up considering the geek gushing this article produces for U2's graphics. Seems like the only limitation is a devs' own skill, IMO.

This generation so far seems to be all about second and first party dev teams for games on the PS3 looking their best. They so far have consistently demonstrated the technical prowess needed to effectively create game engines that can utilize all the SPUs in tandem to create technically impressive titles. Naughty Dog is just the latest to really show how well they know the ins and outs of the PS3, and I am sure with GOW3 we will once again see another title that does the same thing.

It just seems to be the case that the majority of third parties are happy enough to get the PS3 version to a "good enough" stage and then release it. To those of us with multiple consoles its not that big a deal, but its still a bit disheartening to see over and over when I know it is possible for a developer to put out something like Uncharted 2.

The new axiom this gen where it seems to make sense to develop on PS3 first then port to 360 is something I would hope more developers would follow so both sides are given titles that are more on an equal level. In the end its better for all gamers and does not hamper either side.

I do hope its true that teams like Naughty Dog, Guerilla, etc are actually sharing their tech with other companies so we can get games from each party to put out stuff that looks great for everyone to enjoy.

[The Ligand]

This generation so far seems to be all about second and first party dev teams for games on the PS3 looking their best. They so far have consistently demonstrated the technical prowess needed to effectively create game engines that can utilize all the SPUs in tandem to create technically impressive titles. Naughty Dog is just the latest to really show how well they know the ins and outs of the PS3, and I am sure with GOW3 we will once again see another title that does the same thing.

It just seems to be the case that the majority of third parties are happy enough to get the PS3 version to a "good enough" stage and then release it. To those of us with multiple consoles its not that big a deal, but its still a bit disheartening to see over and over when I know it is possible for a developer to put out something like Uncharted 2.

The new axiom this gen where it seems to make sense to develop on PS3 first then port to 360 is something I would hope more developers would follow so both sides are given titles that are more on an equal level. In the end its better for all gamers and does not hamper either side.

I do hope its true that teams like Naughty Dog, Guerilla, etc are actually sharing their tech with other companies so we can get games from each party to put out stuff that looks great for everyone to enjoy.

While I agree with your overall point, and I would certainly like to see more multiplatform games being coded for ps3 first (since I don't own a 360), I have to imagine that being forced to deal with the limitations/specialties imposed by another set of hardware would still hamper developers of any version for a given game.

In other words, not having to consider porting at all is best in terms of using specific hardware, which is why true console exclusives (like kz2 for ps3 or GoW2 for 360) can have better eye-candy than most games which will eventually come out for the other console. If a developer can focus on optimizing exclusively for one set of hardware, then those optimizations will really go as far as their current level of experience allows them to go.

That being said, your point about ps3-->360 being preferred to 360-->ps3 does seem to have become more accepted. I would just be willing to bet that a great many 360 owners (and a number of devs, like valve) would disagree, saying that the best game on the 360 will come when you develop only for the 360 (or for the 360 an PC like valve does).

[brandonjclark]

Hmmm, not really impressed by the visuals. Hell, Crysis looked ten times better than this three years ago.

That said, the ole' adage that great graphics do not make a good game rings true here, as I here it's a monster of a series with excellent gameplay.


{Sigh} Wish I had a playstation...

[wastedyears]

This video illustrates the tearing problem in Uncharted due to lack of V-sync:
http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/digitalfoundry-uncharted-the-v-sync-difference?size=hd
The right video has v-sync applied to the video file to stimulate what the game would look like if it had v-sync.

Unfortunately, I did not play the game in super-slo motion, so maybe that explains it. Screen tearing or no, its still one of the best looking games on any console. Compare the visuals of two year old Uncharted to the just released Halo ODST, its like they come from different console generations.

[EvilBob46]

Unfortunately, I did not play the game in super-slo motion, so maybe that explains it.

Screen tearing can actually be more pronounced and obvious in fast moving images.

[lost]

Hmmm, not really impressed by the visuals. Hell, Crysis looked ten times better than this three years ago.

That said, the ole' adage that great graphics do not make a good game rings true here, as I here it's a monster of a series with excellent gameplay.


{Sigh} Wish I had a playstation...

Uncharted has a slight cartoon edge so Crysis might not be the best comparison.

It looks great but I'm not sure about the 'generational leap' detailed. I haven't played it spread across my 80" screen yet though so...

[brandonjclark]

Uncharted has a slight cartoon edge so Crysis might not be the best comparison.

It looks great but I'm not sure about the 'generational leap' detailed. I haven't played it spread across my 80" screen yet though so...


80" screen? You must be joking. Tell me you're joking or that you've invested in a projector, please.

My eNerdiness is suffering!

[Verruckt]

I never noticed the tearing until it was pointed out to me in this thread. Way to go, guys, you ruined gaming for me.

[shadow763]

Hmmm, not really impressed by the visuals. Hell, Crysis looked ten times better than this three years ago.

That said, the ole' adage that great graphics do not make a good game rings true here, as I here it's a monster of a series with excellent gameplay.


{Sigh} Wish I had a playstation...

Well not much can compare to Crysis in the area of visuals, but every time I played Crysis I just ended up getting bored, gorgeous visuals or not.

Like you said the whole package makes the game, and the variety offered in Uncharted 2 will be nice to play through a bunch next month.

[walstib]

can't wait to see what they do with new IP on the PS3.

Assuming they turn profits on this, Sony should be smart and do whatever they can to keep these guys in their court.

If it were MS, I know they would... It's smart business Sony.

[bowie]

can't wait to see what they do with new IP on the PS3.

Assuming they turn profits on this, Sony should be smart and do whatever they can to keep these guys in their court.

If it were MS, I know they would... It's smart business Sony.

I think it has been interesting that Insomniac, Naughty Dog and Sucker Punch have all released new IP on the PS3. In my opinion the results have been really good.

Naughty Dog is owned by Sony already so they shouldn't be going anywhere. That said, I definitely agree Sony should take care of Naughty Dog and try and grow the studio without compromising quality.

[TeeCakes]

can't wait to see what they do with new IP on the PS3.

Assuming they turn profits on this, Sony should be smart and do whatever they can to keep these guys in their court.

If it were MS, I know they would... It's smart business Sony.

Since the 2nd parties share tech, I'm sure Naughty Dog could get some help from Media Molecule on creating a "Mario killer" ala the Crash Bandicoot series on PSOne. It'd be nice if there was more than just LBP as far as AAA platformers go on the PS3 library (not counting any PSN games), and it'd certainly be one more reason for parents to buy their kids a PS3 Slim this holiday season.

I for one just want to see devs go "back to basics" so to speak, there's a reason the Crash Bandicoot series is a multi-million seller, and was the face of the PlayStation in it's day. Those games are accessible to literally everyone, and publishers can pump them out because they don't require insane budgets for film-like production aspects.

While they don't own the CB license anymore, it's the series Naughty Dog got famous for making. With high-definition graphics and superior computing power on their side, who better to toss down a challenge to Team Mario?

[Anenome]

Crash Bandicoot never wowed me. To be a Mario killer you'd have to significantly out-think and out-develop Miyamoto--good luck with that. We're talking the saint of video-game development and his primary creation. If Bandicoot was a top seller, it was because those that owned a PSX had Mario-envy.

[shpankey]

It looks better, in some cases a lot better, but generational leap? Hardly.

[donkeydrop]

Screen tearing can actually be more pronounced and obvious in fast moving images.

Those examples must have been taken with the video settings on the PS3 screwed up; nothing remotely like that was visible when I played it.

[donkeydrop]

Hmmm, not really impressed by the visuals. Hell, Crysis looked ten times better than this three years ago.



That would be truly amazing since Crysis was released less than two years ago and to get even slightly better visuals you would need to be on High settings. Even with the best available $600 video card at the time, anti-aliasing turned off, you might have averaged a frame rate somewhere around 20 with drops into 5-10fps whenever you moved too fast.