DigitalFoundry has put the Xbox One and PC versions of Gears of War 4 under an extensive analysis, in an attempt to see how the two platforms fare in running the fifth installment in the Gears of War series.
DigitalFoundry is known for its in-depth technical analysis of games running on different game systems. Their YouTube channel is rife with jargon-laden videos with intricate observation of graphical performance, detailing even subtle differences across systems.
Today, the channel has taken on Gears of War 4 for Xbox One and PC, observing how the game stacks up, while also providing a comprehensive analysis of the game's Unreal Engine 4 implementation. The video puts the two platforms side by side in an attempt to determine which one runs the game better.
The game isn't due until Oct. 11 but those who bought the Ultimate Edition are eligible for early access, and they've been enjoying it for a few days now, with reviews already circulating the web. Of course with every multi-platform release, many still contemplate the best version to get. Luckily, DigitalFoundry is up to the task.
In the video, DigitalFoundry highlighted the impressive visual effects The Coalition used in Gears of War 4. Rigid body simulation, volumetric light scattering and procedural wind simulation were just some of the graphical highlights that DigitalFoundry raved about, adding that all of which were incorporated effectively to provide a satisfying gameplay experience. The overall visual package is according to it, "nothing short of exceptional."
After demonstrating the slew of visual effects, the video moves on to showcase the different presets in the PC version, noting the impact some specific settings cause in the performance.
The analysis is bookended by a frame rate test of the campaign mode, aiming for a solid 30 fps, with smooth rendering and no frame drops, a common pet peeve with graphics-intensive titles. Overall, DigitalFoundry found the Xbox One version is the best game in the series. However, it didn't hold back on noting that several users have reported some snags and bumps in the graphics front.
The tests were of course not without their due disappointments, albeit slight ones. Particle and fire effects looked bizarre when rendered at higher frame rates on PC. For example, the fire animations appeared to be running at a lower frame rate than the rest of the elements in the given scene. They looked like moving props, instead of organic and realistic properties in the game's environment. Cut-scenes also brought issues with frame pacing. But the main takeaway from the tests is that players can expect a solid gaming experience with the Xbox One version of Gears of War 4.
DigitalFoundry is still running tests for the PC using different GPUs to determine differences in graphical performance, but the game is nonetheless performing extremely well, with the channel even going as far as labeling it as a "masterpiece."
Gears of War 4 will hit shelves on Oct. 11. If you've yet to purchase the proper console to run this game, Microsoft has released a couple of sweet-looking Xbox One S bundles that come with a digital copy of the game.
