I picked this up a few days ago, and just about to leave Zion. I guess my previous 7 hours or so was a big tutorial, as it feels like it's just really starting.
I was planning on upgrading my GPU before starting this, but the demo ran so well I jumped in regardless.
The full release was less stable for me, but I downloaded a mod called ultimate engine tweaks. It's just an .ini file that makes a big difference in performance. I think I downloaded something similar for LOTF, or another UE5 game, which also made big differences, like reducing stuttering and increasing framerates.
On my 3080 I'm running ultrawide 1440p with everything maxed, or near maxed by default, using DLSS 4 balanced. I have a pretty much locked 60 FPS now, but it was all over the place before the mod. Something to consider if you buy on PC and are having issues.
Definitive Unreal 'Engine.ini' changes with the goal to remove most stutters, improve performance and stability, decrease input latency, improve picture clarity. All with no visual loss.
www.nexusmods.com
I love how parrying has a bigger window, especially with a skill increase. The tells are nice and clear too. You really need to use it against bosses, namely the crater boss before you get to Zion. I don't normally parry in souls game, prefer dodging, but it's really fun here, especially with the quick counters/skills. He wrecked me a few times, but once I committed to parrying, it was game over for him. Who knows, maybe the parrying patience I develop here will let me enjoy Sekiro afterwards, a game I could never click with but always wanted to.
The game is way better than I thought it was going to be. As Captain of the gooner squad, I was looking forward to the visuals, while expecting to enjoy the combat and at least like the story somewhat. I didn't think the world building/environmental storytelling was going to be this good though, or the combat this fun. I'm so intrigued by everything.
The architecture is awe inspiring, and I want to learn everything I can about the culture that once thrived there. That's how I feel in every Miyazaki game, which keeps me coming back as much as the gameplay loop.
I can't help but think of Nier Automata's world too, but the big difference here is the step up in graphics, and humans still being around. I don't mind playing as an android, but I always prefer there to be a human element still involved. It made Nier super depressing/lonely.
Eve is ridiculously fine of course, def giving my F12 key a workout. The photo mode is fun too, helps with gluteus maximus highlighting.
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Hunting down costumes, all the other little collectibles, and all the tiny details in the world makes exploration rewarding.
I love how the cutscenes are mostly full ultrawide, in-engine, and just a little bit higher fidelity, though the regular in-game graphics are still gorgeous.
The cut scenes look so clean
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I don't think I need graphics to look much better beyond this point. I'd just like more horsepower to not require upscaling and the artifacts they introduce, along with better physics/destruction, environment interactivity, and more NPC's/vehicles being able to render on screen.
Anyway, long post, but I'm really digging this game!
insider-gaming.com
