Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - PS5/Xbox Series X|S Tech Review - Graceful Scaling vs Maxed PC

New Section

This section introduces the game "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" developed by Massive Entertainment using the Snowdrop engine. The game is visually striking and takes advantage of the power of PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and S.

Visual Features on Console

• The game showcases dense jungle environments, realistic lighting effects, and high-quality materials.

• The Series S version holds up well despite its lower GPU and memory limit.

• The game offers a 60 frames per second performance mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X, while Series S runs at 30 FPS.

• Ray tracing is included on all consoles, enhancing reflections and global illumination.

New Section

This section focuses on comparing the different modes available on console versions of "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora."

Performance Mode vs Quality Mode

• PS5 and Xbox Series X offer a 60 FPS performance mode and a 30 FPS quality mode.

• Series S only runs at 30 FPS.

• In performance mode, there is a resolution drop combined with reconstruction techniques to achieve a likeness of a 4K image. Some jagged edges may be visible during fast movement.

• Quality mode renders more pixels on average, resulting in a cleaner image with fewer jagged edges. It runs at higher resolutions compared to performance mode.

• The quality mode also improves foliage rendering, shadow detail, ambient shading, screen space reflections (SSR), alpha transparency effects, and volumetric fog.

New Section

This section discusses the visual enhancements achieved through ray tracing in "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" on consoles.

Ray Tracing Effects

• Ray traced reflections are deployed across water bodies with screen space reflections used for additional scene detail.

• Ray traced global illumination enhances the presentation of shadowed areas and bounce lighting.

• Brightly colored plants reflect their specific hue onto nearby scenery.

• Series S manages to achieve ray tracing effects despite its lower GPU and memory limit.

New Section

This section compares the performance and visual quality modes on Xbox Series X in "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora."

Trade-offs between Performance and Quality Modes

• Performance mode runs at 60 FPS with a dynamic resolution scaling between 864p and 1260p, combined with reconstruction techniques for a 4K-like image. Some jagged edges may be visible during fast movement.

• Quality mode runs at 30 FPS but renders more pixels on average, resulting in a cleaner and more defined image at resolutions between 1296p and 1800p.

• The quality mode also improves foliage LODs, shadows, ambient shading, screen space reflections (SSR), alpha transparency effects, and volumetric fog.

New Section

This section focuses on the comparison of "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" on Xbox Series S.

Xbox Series S Comparison

• Xbox Series S runs the game at 30 FPS without a performance mode option.

• Despite its lower specifications compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X, it still delivers impressive visuals with ray tracing effects.

• Some settings may be adjusted or lowered to maintain performance on Series S.

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Resolution and Material Quality on Xbox Series S

This section discusses the resolution and material quality differences on the Xbox Series S compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Resolution Differences

• The Xbox Series S runs natively at a lower pixel output than the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

• It has a maximum resolution of 1080p, while the other consoles can reach higher resolutions.

• AMD's FSR 2 reconstructs the lower resolution image to appear higher, but it still falls short compared to the other consoles.

Material Quality

• The material quality, including texture resolution, is noticeably lower on the Xbox Series S.

• Cloth, ground textures (mulch, mud, moss), and other materials have dropped in quality.

• Close scrutiny reveals that these differences are not flattering for the Xbox Series S when compared to the other consoles.

Time of Day and Weather Conditions Comparison

This section compares time of day and weather conditions across all three consoles.

Time of Day and Weather Factors

• Time of day and weather conditions play a role in comparing open-world visuals.

• Ubisoft's Cloud safe system helps ensure accurate shots across all three consoles.

• In summary, both PS5 and Xbox Series X use similar settings for time of day and weather conditions.

• However, the Xbox Series S loses out in a few areas beyond just material quality.

Visual Effects Differences on Xbox Series S

This section highlights visual effects differences on the Xbox Series S compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Volumetric Fog Effect

• The volumetric fog effect is visibly lower in quality on the Xbox Series S.

• Streaking through interiors appears diffused instead of presenting actual rays of light.

Screen Space Reflections (SSR)

• SSR takes a hit on the Xbox Series S, resulting in lower quality mirror images.

• PS5 and Xbox Series X run at the same setting for SSR on quality mode.

Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI)

• RTGI works on all systems, including the Xbox Series S.

• However, there may be adjustments or limitations in terms of ray quantity, quality, or bounces.

Performance Differences on Xbox Series S

This section discusses performance differences on the Xbox Series S compared to other consoles.

Performance Limitations

• The Xbox Series S runs at 30 FPS with a lowered native resolution range.

• Material quality, volumetric effects, screen space reflections (SSR), and plant density are reduced.

• Adjustments to ray traced global illumination (RTGI) result in noticeable lighting differences.

Comparison between PS5 and Xbox Series X

This section compares visual features between the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Core Visual Features

• The core visual feature set is mostly the same between the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

• The biggest difference lies in image quality, with occasional lower figures on PS5 within their shared dynamic resolution range.

• Geometry and shadow LED show minor differences but often push identical images.

Image Breakup Issue on Xbox Series X and S

This section addresses an image breakup issue observed on the Xbox Series X and S.

Image Breakup Artifacts

• There is an issue with image breakup artifacts on visually busy elements like grass or mesh work specifically on the Xbox consoles.

• These artifacts are not as prominent or present on the PS5.

• It is hoped that this issue will be addressed in future updates for the affected consoles.

Performance Testing at 60 FPS

This section focuses on performance testing at 60 FPS on the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Preferred Mode

• Playing at 60 FPS is the preferred mode for smoother motion.

• Foliage draw, volumetric effects, and SSR may have trade-offs in this mode.

• VRR-enabled displays provide a better experience with a range of 45 to 60 FPS.

Frame Rate Drops

• Both PS5 and Xbox Series X run at a baseline of 60 FPS.

• There are occasional drops to around 58 or 56 FPS in certain areas or movements.

• Dynamic resolution scaling can cause these drops when sudden camera movements or complex scenes occur.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Xbox Series S has noticeable differences in resolution, material quality, visual effects, and performance compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X. While it holds up well on its own, these differences become more apparent when directly compared to the other consoles. The PS5 and Xbox Series X have similar core visual features but may vary slightly in image quality and minor details. Additionally, there are some image breakup artifacts observed on the Xbox consoles that are not present on the PS5. Overall, each console offers its own strengths and limitations in terms of graphics performance.

Experiencing Performance Issues on PS5 and Series X

The speaker discusses the performance issues experienced on both the PS5 and Series X consoles while playing the game. They mention drops in frame rates, particularly during intense moments with rain, enemies, and explosions. Both consoles experience similar drops in frame rates, making it difficult to determine a clear advantage for either console. However, there is an issue with traversal hitching on the Series X in certain areas that is not present on the PS5. The speaker also mentions an alternative 30 FPS quality mode that provides a more stable performance but is not ideal.

Frame Rate Comparison

• Both PS5 and Series X experience drops in frame rates during intense moments.

• In cutscenes, both consoles run at a near-matching level.

• Series X has occasional traversal hitching issues in major hub areas.

• The alternative 30 FPS quality mode provides a more stable performance with minimal drops on both consoles.

Performance on Series S

• The series S version runs at a stable 30 frames per second.

• There are visual cutbacks compared to the premium consoles.

• Battles may have occasional one-frame dips but do not significantly impact gameplay.

Exceptional Moments

• During a run towards the resistance research station in storms, there is a brief drop into high 20s frame rate.

• Looking up and down puts Series S at greater risk of dropping frames compared to other machines.

Overall Impression

• The series S version offers a decent option if you are fine with 30 FPS and visual cutbacks.

• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora impresses visually and plays well on all consoles (PS5, Series X, or S).

• The only blemish is the less polished 60 FPS performance level on premium machines.

• A future patch update addressing the state of the 60 FPS performance mode would be desirable.

• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is among the most pleasant surprises of 2023 in terms of its tech and gameplay loop.

Timestamps are provided for each section to refer to specific parts of the video.