Digital Foundry Direct: AMD FSR, Sonic, and Tech News
The AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution Arrival
The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of AMD's FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). The team clears up common misconceptions regarding whether this tech is a competitor to DLSS.
• Core Technology: FSR is a spatial upscaling technique using Contrast Adaptive Sharpening (CAS). It is not an image reconstruction technique like DLSS or checkerboarding.
• The Verdict: It is most effective when compared to traditional, low-quality bilinear or bicubic upscaling. While it lacks the temporal detail of dedicated hardware solutions, it performs well as an accessible performance booster.
• Future Outlook: The experts suggest that future iterations could incorporate temporal components, but emphasize that existing temporal upsampling (TAAU) solutions like those in Unreal Engine 4 are currently highly advanced and often superior.
Sonic the Hedgehog's 30th Anniversary
Transitioning to gaming history, the hosts celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sonic.
• They reminisce about Yuji Naka's design philosophies and the infamous technical hurdles of translating 2D speed to 3D spaces in early titles.
• The discussion touches on the legendary Michael Jackson involvement in the Sonic 3 soundtrack and how modern legal struggles affected legacy re-releases.
• They express excitement for upcoming initiatives like Sonic Origins and the recent orchestral performances.
Industry News and Troubleshooting
• Jonathan Frakes: A bizarre and entertaining segment regarding Frakes' involvement in PUBG lore updates.
• Myst VR: The hosts share excitement for the Myst remake coming to VR, noting the platform's potential to heighten immersion.
• Intellivision Amico: The team presents a critical view of the upcoming console, citing lack of transparency, recycled promotional footage, and concerns regarding production feasibility just months from launch.
• Alex Kidd Remake: The panel analyzes technical issues, specifically the problematic 50Hz PAL conversion that affects scrolling smoothness and physics.
"What I wanted was a reboot VR game, like the original reboot cartoon series renders and being able to walk around the city from the same era. Someone needs to make this."
Digital Foundry & Developer Relations
Finally, the team addresses how Digital Foundry is perceived within the gaming industry. They emphasize that they strive to maintain a collaborative relationship with developers, often sharing technical findings preemptively to help improve quality before a title is shipped. They maintain that their focus is on technical excellence rather than adversarial criticism.