(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Initially, I was skeptical about the PS5 Pro, but a new video highlighting the visual quality in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has given me pause.
The game is already a visual masterpiece, yet Digital Foundry’s latest video exposes the staggering improvements between the base PS5 and the PS5 Pro performance modes. In the Pro mode, the game world boasts greater depth, more vibrant lighting, and enhanced colors.
According to the narrator, “Shadows has one of the largest Pro upgrades we’ve seen so far.” It’s evident why this statement holds true; Shadows are richer, and interiors feel more developed. Initially, I didn’t perceive the base version as lacking, but the side-by-side comparison is striking.
The video dives into technical specifics, attributing these changes to RTGI (ray-traced global illumination) on the Pro. This technology ensures that light not only shines but also interacts with environments in a lifelike manner. While a photorealistic approach isn’t always my preference, I often favor stylized visuals; the enhancement here is undeniably impressive.
Digital Foundry coins it as “a generational divide in lighting fidelity,” most noticeable in the forested regions of Shadows. On a standard PS5, treetop cover seems dim, yet the Pro version elevates this, with lighting that dynamically filters through, creating stark contrast between bright and shaded areas. On the Pro, even the movement of shadows from screen doors is perceptible, a feature absent in the base model.
I usually don’t prioritize such visual nuances, but it’s encouraging to see a powerhouse like Ubisoft advancing gaming technology. Moreover, I’m excited because I’ll be spending extended periods in the game forming friendships with monkeys. I want them to look their absolute best.
While contemplating a Pro purchase, explore our comprehensive list of the best PS5 games you can currently enjoy.
Discover weekly updates, community narratives, and much more.