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Uncharted 4 OPM UK - Details about sandbox elements / Framerate (still aiming for 60)

valkyre

Member
Of course I do not know if this is true, but apparently the latest Official Playstation Magazine UK has new information about Uncharted 4.

Specifically the sandbox elements sound absolutely delicious (Jak 3 level of openess), as well as the fact that the team is still aiming for 60 fps (not confirmed) without losing anything in the transition.

All in all it sounds pretty effing awesome if you ask me.

The latest issue of PlayStation Official Magazine UK revealed some information regarding the long-awaited Naughty Dog’s exclusive, Uncharted 4. The “sandbox” features is confirmed, to the point that Naughty Dog “aims for a level of openness Naughty Dog hasn’t courted since Jak 3“; there will be the opportunity to explore the maps and find small extra information about the plot. The article talk also about one of the new feature, the use of the grappling hook or axe: climbing will not be easy, in fact you run the risk of falling to a minimum imbalance, if Nathan will not attempt to maintain balance while climbing. In reference to the much-talked frame-rate, developers admit that the demo available (for the magazine editors) ran at 30 frames per second, but the ultimate goal is to reach 60 without decreasing gameplay quality, which remains the absolute priority for the team. Finally is reconfirmed texture quality that would have a resolution four-times better than the previous chapter, and there will be differences between the texture of the characters shown in the cut-scenes (that even in this chapter will be shot with the game graphics) and and the textures in-gaming.

http://www.z-giochi.com/news/en/unc...limbing-framerate-and-texture-from-opm-139207

http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/

Kill it with a piton if old.
 

DieH@rd

Banned
This seems almost oxymoronic.

Nah. Many rendering features are still incomplete, and optimization always bring great improvements to framerate at the very end of production.

PSX demo was spotless 30fps [who knows what was uncapped performance, it could have been 40-55fps for the majority of the demo, or it could have been 60fps with drips to 30s when something unoptimized was processed] which was great for game that is 1 year away.
 

Gurish

Member
and there will be differences between the texture of the characters shown in the cut-scenes (that even in this chapter will be shot with the game graphics) and and the textures in-gaming.
I've always said that cut scene model looked better than the gameplay model although some said i was wrong, good to see ND themselves admit that.

In-game model still looks good, but not on the same level.
 

Fistwell

Member
Nah. Many rendering features are still incomplete, and optimization always bring great improvements to framerate at the very end of production.

PSX demo was spotless 30fps [who knows what was uncapped performance, it could have been 40-55fps for the majority of the demo, or it could have been 60fps with drips to 30s when something unoptimized was processed] which was great for game that is 1 year away.
He means good framerate improves gameplay. The way it's worded it sounds as if they say good framerate could get in the way of achieveing smooth gameplay.
 
I hope the comments about sandbox elements are not just lip service. I really liked that in The Last of Us the areas were almost always quite open so you had different ways of approaching or avoiding the enemies - if ND can increase the scale of that it would be awesome. That combat gameplay they've already shown looked great.
 
He means good framerate improves gameplay. The way it's worded it sounds as if they say good framerate could get in the way of achieveing smooth gameplay.

Knowing ND, they probably meant overall experience rather than the feel of gameplay specifically.
 
I highly doubt it'll be 60. Uncharted has to be a series where Sony shows what the Playstation can do. Commit to 60 and you'll just sacrifice a lot of the visuals to performance, which is a sacrifice they won't be willing to make.
 
If we get levels bigger than TLOU's largest areas throughout the whole game I'll be both very impressed and happy. Quite a departure from the previous games.
 

stryke

Member
Reading their article gives me the impression OPM are just piggybacking off articles by Gameinformer and Edge (the latter being explicitly mentioned).

It just doesn't give the impression they actually talked to Naughty Dog.
 

orioto

Good Art™
The comparison to Jak is interesting, cause i've been thinking about that.

It's funny but Naughty pulls a Nintendo here. They clearly decided to use the PS4 tech for gameplay, and the demo they showed was indeed more focused on gameplay features, fun, size of the map.. More than that, they actually made the "platforms" more flat, ergonomic and clear, rather than trying to be all realistic and messy like before. That map looked kinda like a 3D platformer.

That's precisely why many people were disappointed. ND is meant to achieve cinematic magic, and they actually focused on making a funny game.
 

JordanN

Banned
I highly doubt it'll be 60. Uncharted has to be a series where Sony shows what the Playstation can do. Commit to 60 and you'll just sacrifice a lot of the visuals to performance, which is a sacrifice they won't be willing to make.
Why does it have to be Uncharted?

They already have Driveclub, Infamous: SS and The Order that does that nicely.

The game being a first party exclusive already means they can get a lot out of 60fps, compared to a multiplat running on the same system.
 

Blobbers

Member
Can someone explain what "Jak 3 level of openness means? I've played Jak 1 and 2. Can it be compared to Jak 2? Jak 2 had some pretty open levels where you could go up, down and around.
 
Can someone explain what "Jak 3 level of openness means? I've played Jak 1 and 2. Can it be compared to Jak 2? Jak 2 had some pretty open levels where you could go up, down and around.

Jak 3 had a massive open-world (desert) and Haven City as well. Edit: Well, massive for its time.

On topic, I hope they don't sacrifice graphics for 60FPS.
 
The comparison to Jak is interesting, cause i've been thinking about that.

It's funny but Naughty pulls a Nintendo here. They clearly decided to use the PS4 tech for gameplay, and the demo they showed was indeed more focused on gameplay features, fun, size of the map.. More than that, they actually made the "platforms" more flat, ergonomic and clear, rather than trying to be all realistic and messy like before. That map looked kinda like a 3D platformer.

That's precisely why many people were disappointed. ND is meant to achieve cinematic magic, and they actually focused on making a funny game.

People were disappointed? That was some of the most dynamic TPS gameplay ever. If they can keep that up and mix it in with cool navigations, puzzles and platforming, they'll school pretty much every AAA game this year. The Edge article had me hyped.

I do expect them to showcase a massive set-piece at E3 though.
 
I doubt we'll have open world city like jak3. But jak 2-3 open world is bassically just a hub world to the more traditional platformer level, so that's probably what we can compare it to.
 

orioto

Good Art™
People were disappointed? That was some of the most dynamic TPS gameplay ever. If they can keep that up and mix it in with cool navigations, puzzles and platforming, they'll school pretty much every AAA game this year. The Edge article had me hyped.

I do expect them to showcase a massive set-piece at E3 though.

People wanted real life graphics
 

eFKac

Member
God, the more I read about UC4, the less excited I am... :-(

Sandbox elements? Openness? That's not an Uncharted I want ;_;
 

Gurish

Member
The comparison to Jak is interesting, cause i've been thinking about that.

It's funny but Naughty pulls a Nintendo here. They clearly decided to use the PS4 tech for gameplay, and the demo they showed was indeed more focused on gameplay features, fun, size of the map.. More than that, they actually made the "platforms" more flat, ergonomic and clear, rather than trying to be all realistic and messy like before. That map looked kinda like a 3D platformer.

That's precisely why many people were disappointed. ND is meant to achieve cinematic magic, and they actually focused on making a funny game.
Almost everybody were impressed by the gameplay, there is a reason why it is GAF's most anticipated 2015 title.

Some were disappointed by the graphics that's true, so i get what you mean- that they scarified some of the visuals in order to make a bigger scale game.
 

mrklaw

MrArseFace
I hope they aren't targetting 60. Assuming they don't make it, and the engine is sitting there doing about 45fps with maybe an unlocked framerate option, that just means its between two stools - not smooth enough to satisfy the 60fps fans, yet sacrificing graphics to be over 30fps.
 
I prefer 30 with superb graphics... All this talk about 60 in UC4 makes me worried

Me too. I can't see a difference between 30 and 60... I can see a difference between good and great graphics. Hopefully they can achieve both to please everyone, I guess.
 

daxter01

8/8/2010 Blackace was here
Can someone explain what "Jak 3 level of openness means? I've played Jak 1 and 2. Can it be compared to Jak 2? Jak 2 had some pretty open levels where you could go up, down and around.
They mentioned it because it was their last open world game
 

yurinka

Member
Found the source saying the videos are around 5h 40 minutes, but he missed 4 game episodes (so the game would be around 6h on easy ignoring collectibles) and was playing on easy mode (in Spanish, sorry):
http://www.vandal.net/noticia/1350660863/un-youtuber-afirma-completar-the-order-1886-en-unas-6-horas/

I didn't read it, but they mention a reddit thread where the youtuber who made the walkthrough videos talk about additional details:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/2vybg8/order_1886_playtime_details_from_youtubers_play/
 

vypek

Member
Found the source saying the videos are around 5h 40 minutes, but he missed 4 game episodes (so the game would be around 6h on easy ignoring collectibles) and was playing on easy mode (in Spanish, sorry):
http://www.vandal.net/noticia/1350660863/un-youtuber-afirma-completar-the-order-1886-en-unas-6-horas/

I didn't read it, but they mention a reddit thread where the youtuber who made the walkthrough videos talk about additional details:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/2vybg8/order_1886_playtime_details_from_youtubers_play/

Wrong thread?
 

eFKac

Member
You want... A more linear game... With less choices?

Why?

Most of all because it helps with the pacing, which is crucial in an Uncharted game.

I'm not looking for choices in Uncharted, I want a perfectly crafted, highly paced rollercoaster of a journey.
I want to play linear, 100% polished and tuned levels and story, the way the developer intended it to be played, for the biggest impact.

Sure it will probably help with the firefights (we've already seen that in the PSX demo) , which were the weak point of the series so far, but that's not enough of a good trade off for me, at least potentially.
 
Found the source saying the videos are around 5h 40 minutes, but he missed 4 game episodes (so the game would be around 6h on easy ignoring collectibles) and was playing on easy mode (in Spanish, sorry):
http://www.vandal.net/noticia/1350660863/un-youtuber-afirma-completar-the-order-1886-en-unas-6-horas/

I didn't read it, but they mention a reddit thread where the youtuber who made the walkthrough videos talk about additional details:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/2vybg8/order_1886_playtime_details_from_youtubers_play/

We are not safe in here.
 
Most of all because it helps with the pacing, which is crucial in an Uncharted game.

I'm not looking for choices in Uncharted, I want a perfectly crafted, highly paced rollercoaster of a journey.
I want to play linear, 100% polished and tuned levels and story, the way the developer intended it to be played, for the biggest impact.

Sure it will probably help with the firefights (we've already seen that in the PSX demo) , which were the weak point of the series so far, but that's not enough of a good trade off for me, at least potentially.

It's not an open world game or something, it just gives you more freedom in the moment to moment gameplay, most notably combat. TLoU did this as well, though Drake is a more nimble character of course and UC gives you way more verticality.
 

Myansie

Member
Jak3 is pretty open. Much more than Last of Us. They keep repeating 60, it's pretty obvious they're committed to the target. This is going to be awesome. Looking forward to some more solid info at e3.
 

valkyre

Member
I hope they aren't targetting 60. Assuming they don't make it, and the engine is sitting there doing about 45fps with maybe an unlocked framerate option, that just means its between two stools - not smooth enough to satisfy the 60fps fans, yet sacrificing graphics to be over 30fps.

Agreed, if 60 is not possible I would also enjoy the option of an unlocked framerate. Yes there is judder, I can live with it.

PS: Is this the most used avatar in GAF these days?? :D

image.php
 
Linear != bad.

It is still a totally linear game, though; the sandbox element they're talking about is all gameplay stuff. The gameplay demo showed a much larger, more open level than any previous Uncharteds, with better enemy AI for more TLOU-esque half-stealth, half-shooting gameplay. You're still going to enter and leave the areas from the same spots, see the same cutscenes, you're just going to have way more fun when you're actually shooting dudes. I think Uncharted 4 looks incredible so far.
 
This seems almost oxymoronic.

I suppose if you come from the mindset that framerate decisions in development are wholly determined by choosing between visual clarity and better gameplay, then sure, it would seem that way. But when you're going for a far increased level of openness, the best AI possible, and environments that better suit the core mechanics and varied encounters, I'd assume things would become abit more difficult (or do these not count in terms of affecting gameplay?).
 

RalchAC

Member
The comparison to Jak is interesting, cause i've been thinking about that.

It's funny but Naughty pulls a Nintendo here. They clearly decided to use the PS4 tech for gameplay, and the demo they showed was indeed more focused on gameplay features, fun, size of the map.. More than that, they actually made the "platforms" more flat, ergonomic and clear, rather than trying to be all realistic and messy like before. That map looked kinda like a 3D platformer.

That's precisely why many people were disappointed. ND is meant to achieve cinematic magic, and they actually focused on making a funny game.

I thought the trailer was quite cool. It had a gameplay focus, which is nice. They've openly talked about what the want to achieve with the game and that's really cool. We can get a cinematic trailer full of explosions and Drake wrecking shit in one of the big 2015 conferences (E3, GamesCom, TGS) since they're probably going to market Uncharted as much as posible.

I don't understand the part of platforms being messy before. Uncharted usually used really different colours for the grips and stuff you were supposed to use to climb. I've had almost 0 problems knowing where to go in Uncharted games.

The biggest change IMO was that there were more option with the hook and rope. I agree that the platforming definitely feels better.

It definitely is nice that they're doing an overhaul to the series while keeping what makes it really good IMO. Uncharted 2 to 3 were to same-y (and even 1, but the jump between the original and the second was huge). Those tweaks will be a nice way to avoid franchise fatigue.
__

About the bolded part: Maybe it was a typo, maybe you're not a native speaker (like me). But funny = something that makes you laugh. The word there is fun.
 

Ramenman

Member
They should just stop commenting on the framerate thing.

People on the internet simply aren't ready to accept that games aren't done until a few weeks before release and that up until then nothing is certain and everything is possible (worst or best).


Found the source saying the videos are around 5h 40 minutes, but he missed 4 game episodes (so the game would be around 6h on easy ignoring collectibles) and was playing on easy mode (in Spanish, sorry):
http://www.vandal.net/noticia/1350660863/un-youtuber-afirma-completar-the-order-1886-en-unas-6-horas/

I didn't read it, but they mention a reddit thread where the youtuber who made the walkthrough videos talk about additional details:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/2vybg8/order_1886_playtime_details_from_youtubers_play/

Holy shit Gaf really is going crazy with The Order.
 
The “sandbox” features is confirmed, to the point that Naughty Dog “aims for a level of openness Naughty Dog hasn’t courted since Jak 3“;

Something's wrong here. Naughty Dog did not confirm this Jak 3 thing. I've the mag and it's an assumption of the OPM writer. Also all quotes in OPM are from the latest EDGE magazine.

Original Text (page 8):

indeed, uncharted 4: a thief’s end is aiming for a level of openness naughty dog hasn’t courted since its Jak 3 days. "the duct tape and scotch tape that we used to cobble those levels together [in the last of us] just to get it to run properly… now we can
say, ‘aah, we have some memory’," straley tells our sister mag edge.

At no time Naughty Dog were talking about Jak 3.
 
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