An In-Depth Look at Black Myth: Wukong on PS5
Black Myth: Wukong offers a stunning visual experience on PC, but the PS5 version presents some design choices and performance issues that detract from its overall appeal. Let’s delve into the different modes and what they offer on the PS5.
Quality Mode
The quality mode aims for around 1440p resolution upscaled to 4K using FSR 3. While visually impressive in still shots, the motion can reveal some shortcomings, especially with transparencies and post-processing effects causing a speckly appearance. Additionally, frame rates in this mode tend to fluctuate between 31 and 36fps, which is puzzling considering the target should be 30fps.
Balance Mode
The balance mode opts for a fixed 1080p resolution without upsampling, resulting in a softer image with more dithering issues. With a target of 45fps within a 60Hz container, this mode delivers inconsistent frame times, creating judder during gameplay.
Performance Mode
Performance mode maintains a 1080p resolution with a strong sharpening filter for a crunchy look. While targeting 60fps, this mode occasionally experiences stutters and drops to 40fps in demanding scenes. The use of FSR 3 frame generation, however, allows for smoother performance overall.
On the PS5, the game could benefit from utilizing the console’s 120Hz and VRR support to enhance gameplay modes, but unfortunately, these features are not implemented. As a result, the performance on the PS5 version falls short of expectations even compared to the PC version.
Comparing PS5 and PC Versions
While the PS5 version of Black Myth: Wukong delivers impressive visuals, especially in naturalistic environments, it still lags behind the PC version in terms of performance and graphical fidelity. The game looks stunning on PS5, but to experience it in all its glory, a high-end PC setup is recommended.
While Game Science has put in a lot of effort to create a visually stunning game, there are significant performance issues that need to be addressed on the PS5 version. With some adjustments to the modes and frame generation techniques, Black Myth: Wukong could deliver a smoother and more enjoyable experience on the console.