DF Direct 135: Alan Wake 2, PS5 Slim & Metal Gear Tech

Alan Wake 2: A Technical Landmark

The group discusses Alan Wake 2, praising its phenomenal critical reception and groundbreaking technical achievements. Major takeaways include:

• Visual Mastery: It is hailed as a "technical showstopper" and arguably the best-looking game of the year. The path tracing and lighting model set new industry standards.
• Technology: The game is notable for its pioneering use of mesh shaders to optimize geometry, marking a potential "day of reckoning" for older hardware.
• Performance & Scalability: While Remedy's recommended specs caused controversy, testing indicates the game is highly scalable. It provides a solid experience on various hardware even when adjusting settings below the presets.

"This is the best looking game of the year. Probably one of the best looking games ever made."

PS5 Slim and Optical Drive Concerns

The panel discusses the nuances of the new PS5 Slim. A significant point of contention is the requirement for an online connection to pair the detachable optical drive, raising serious questions about long-term repairability and digital preservation.

Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Disappointment

The team expresses dismay over the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection:

• The ports are criticized for being "lazy" and suffering from low resolution (720p) and poor emulation quality across various platforms.
• The lack of ambition and respect for such a legendary franchise is highlighted, calling the collection a "spectacular miss."
• Significant concerns were raised regarding the Switch version, where the core games are not even included on the physical cartridge.

Star Citizen and Squadron 42 Updates

There is a deep dive into the recent CitizenCon announcements, specifically the update that Squadron 42 is now content complete. The discussion highlights the ambitious nature of the project's technology, including recent demonstrations of server meshing, physicalized damage, and advanced water physics.