The PlayStation 5 Pro aims to enhance gaming experiences with advanced graphics modes, yet gamers must still choose between quality and performance settings for titles like Alan Wake 2. Despite promises of better visual fidelity, the game requires a selection between 4K resolution at 30fps or a smoother 60fps experience without full graphical effects. Fans express dissatisfaction with unmet expectations, fueling debate about the PS5 Pro’s capabilities as it approaches its release.
Despite any conversations about cost, the PlayStation 5 Pro offers numerous features that appeal to gamers. While the PlayStation 5 boasts impressive power, it frequently allows players to select between two graphics settings: the renowned Quality or Performance modes. The Quality mode emphasizes stunning visuals (4K, ray tracing, detailed shadows, etc.) which typically limits the frame rate to around 30fps, while the Performance mode prioritizes smooth gameplay. One of the anticipated benefits of the PS5 Pro was to reduce the need for these trade-offs through innovative technologies. However, there are still certain titles requiring players to make a choice.
Alan Wake 2 Requires a Graphics Mode Choice on PS5 Pro
One of the standout games of 2023, Alan Wake 2, released toward the end of the year and quickly captivated audiences at the Game Awards with its originality and engaging story. Among its many features, the game’s breathtaking graphics were particularly highlighted. However, achieving optimal performance required a high-end gaming PC, which resulted in console versions not quite meeting the same standards. Can the PS5 Pro change that? The answer is both yes and no.
According to an official announcement from Remedy, Alan Wake 2 will indeed be available in a version optimized for the PS5 Pro, among other titles at the console’s launch. Unfortunately, it will be one of the exceptions where users must still choose between quality and performance modes. In simpler terms: there won’t be an option for 4K at 60fps with the highest graphic settings for Alan Wake 2, even on the PS5 Pro. Nonetheless, the PS5 Pro version has its merits. The quality mode will support 4K gameplay with impressive visual settings like enhanced ray tracing, while maintaining a steady 30 frames per second, which is typically sufficient for this type of game. The performance mode is expected to enhance the 60fps experience at high resolutions, although this might come at the cost of features like ray tracing.
Official announcement
Gamers Express Discontent Over Alan Wake 2
Some fans may argue that Sony has not fulfilled its promise. However, it is essential to note that there was never a guarantee that every game would run in 4K at 60fps without sacrificing ray tracing or other features, nor that a choice of graphic modes would disappear completely. The goal of the PS5 Pro is to get closer to this ideal, balancing performance within the constraints typical of a console at its steep price point. This cost, while high for a console, is still quite reasonable compared to equivalent gaming PCs. Nevertheless, not all gamers received this news well. Social media, particularly Twitter, is flooded with reactions that express frustration towards Remedy’s title:
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These heated opinions are not universally shared, as many gamers echo that Alan Wake 2 is among the finest in recent gaming history. Still, a significant number of players seem to agree on one key point: they had higher expectations for the PS5 Pro. While it remains to be seen how the console will perform after its release, it’s clear that discussions surrounding it are far from over.
Alan Wake 2 features several iconic sequences, with one particular chapter standing out more than others. Interestingly, this segment was very close to being excluded from the final version of the game.