With "Assassin's Creed Shadows", Ubisoft is finally venturing into feudal Japan - a long-awaited setting for the popular assassin series. While fans eagerly await the release, many gamers are focusing their attention on the graphical differences between the regular PlayStation 5 and the more powerful PS5 Pro. After all, the release of the title coincides with the launch of Sony's mid-cycle upgrade. But is the upgrade really worth it? And how much do the versions on the two consoles differ? An analysis that should make PS5 Pro owners in particular rejoice.
First graphic impressions: Is the PS5 Pro the better choice?
The first comparison videos of Digital Foundry or PushSquare provide an impression of the graphical differences. According to initial analyses, the PS5 Pro offers a significantly improved depth of detail and higher image sharpness. While the standard PS5 already impresses with "good shadows" and "solid graphics", the additional performance of the PS5 Pro ensures an overall clearer and more detailed picture.
The lush and detailed recreation of historical Japan is particularly emphasized. Experts even say that "Assassin's Creed Shadows" on the PS5 Pro is the console's most visually impressive game to date. Above all, the improved foresight and more realistic lighting seem to have a positive effect on immersion.
The advantages of the PS5 Pro in detail
1. resolution and upscaling
The PS5 Pro uses improved upscaling technology and offers a higher native resolution than the standard PS5. Previous titles already used dynamic resolution scaling (DRS), which fluctuated between 810p and 1620p depending on the mode and was upscaled to 4K. The PS5 Pro impresses here with a more stable higher resolution, which will be particularly noticeable on 4K displays.
2. frame rates and performance
According to initial analyses, the PS5 Pro could be able to render "Assassin's Creed Shadows" at up to 120fps - a clear advantage for players who value smooth movements. While the standard PS5 fluctuates between 30 and 60fps in the various modes, the Pro version could enable more stable and higher frame rates. Particularly interesting for VRR users: The smooth 40fps mode is described by testers as particularly pleasant, which we can underline. Our Review of "Assassin's Creed Shadows" is based on the balance mode.
3. ray tracing and shadow quality
One clear advantage of the PS5 Pro is the "extended" ray tracing. While ray-traced global illumination (RTGI) is already available on the standard PS5, the PS5 Pro also has ray-traced reflections - a feature that is otherwise only available on the PC. This ensures more realistic reflections in puddles and on shiny surfaces and contributes significantly to the atmosphere. The general shadow quality should also remain consistently higher on the PS5 Pro.
4. texture quality and visibility
Ubisoft seems to benefit from the higher memory bandwidth on the PS5 Pro. This not only allows sharper textures to be loaded, but also makes objects more visible from a distance. Initial testers have praised the impressive viewing distances, which help to make 16th century Japan look even more authentic.
5. hair physics and lighting
Another highlight is the new hairline system, which is used on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, the standard PS5 disables this feature in 60fps modes, while it remains active in all modes on the PS5 Pro. The lighting also benefits from the higher performance: The reports of more dynamic lighting conditions, which create a dense atmosphere, especially in night scenes.
The new technology highlight on PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro offers a number of clear graphical advantages in total: higher resolutions, more stable frame rates, exclusive ray tracing and an improved view. Players looking for maximum visual quality will experience the best version of "Assassin's Creed Shadows" with the PS5 Pro. But is the upgrade worth it?
For owners of a high-quality 4K TV or monitor with VRR, the answer is: Yes! The smoother frame rates, sharper textures and enhanced lighting effects could significantly improve the gaming experience. However, if you are already satisfied with the standard PS5 and do not have extreme graphical requirements, you should enjoy an impressive experience even without the Pro upgrade.
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Limited Edition
Additional content: The quest "A Dog's Life" (from release), the upcoming expansion "The Claws of Awaji" (at a later date), the download code for the additional content can be found on a flyer in the game box
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