Digital Foundry: Metal Gear Solid Delta, Bloodlines 2 & More

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Patch 1.2.1 Analysis

This week, the team dives into Patch 1.2.1 for Metal Gear Solid Delta, which seeks to address performance limitations on PlayStation 5 Pro and base model hardware.

• Performance Improvements: Patch 1.2.1 successfully improves performance, especially in non-combat scenarios, showing up to a 10-15 FPS gain on the PS5 Pro.
• Ongoing Issues: Despite the improvements, the performance remains unstable during heavy AI combat, revealing deep-seated CPU limitations. The team suggests that a 120Hz output mode with proper VRR implementation could significantly alleviate these issues.
• Visual Considerations: While PSSR remains active, providing good image clarity in motion, the new performance mode achieves its gains by cutting back on Lumen GI and ambient occlusion.

"The main issue here is that it's still not stable... as soon as AI activates, the performance impact becomes known; this clearly seems to be a CPU limitation."

Bloodlines 2 & Future of Gaming

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2

The panel shares disappointment regarding the recently released Bloodlines 2. Beyond the unsteady frame rates, the game falls short in capturing the depth, RPG mechanics, and immersive sim spirit of the original entry, feeling more like a linear action game with minimal choice.

The "TikTok" Dilemma

Following comments from Microsoft executives regarding the future of gaming, the team discusses the shift toward engagement-based business models.

• Engagement vs. Experience: The panel criticizes the sentiment that gaming should compete primarily with short-form video content like TikTok.
• Industry Impact: This focus on "Forever Games" and maximizing time-spent can stifle creative, discrete experiences, which the team notes is a stark contrast to companies like Nintendo which maintain a focus on core gameplay experiences.

Assassin's Creed Shadows on Switch 2

Preliminary analysis of the Assassin's Creed Shadows trailer for Nintendo Switch 2 shows a project that is attempting an ambitious port of current-gen technology. While the lack of ray tracing is evident, the game appears to be a noteworthy technical achievement for the platform, assuming the final product maintains these standards.

Luminance Arise & Routine

• Luminance Arise: A beautiful puzzle game evolution, focusing on synergy between soundscapes and visuals, reminiscent of the Tetris Effect style.
• Routine: After over a decade in development, Routine is finally launching in December. Its aesthetic commitment to CRT/analog VHS distortion is highly praised by the team as a standout artistic choice.