Is Control Ultimate Edition on PS5 Pro the Definitive Next-Gen Experience?
Have you been holding off on diving back into the surreal world of Control? If so, now might be the perfect time. Remedy Entertainment’s Control Ultimate Edition has just received a significant update, especially for PlayStation 5 Pro owners, promising a visual and performance overhaul. This update solidifies Control Ultimate Edition as a must-play title and arguably one of the best showcases for what the PS5 Pro can truly deliver. Let’s delve into the specifics of this update and why it’s generating so much excitement.
Diving Deep into the Control Ultimate Edition PS5 Pro Update
Remedy Entertainment has consistently supported their games with post-launch content and enhancements, and the latest 1.30 patch for Control Ultimate Edition is no exception. This update focuses heavily on leveraging the power of the PS5 Pro, but also provides improvements for Xbox Series X and S consoles. It’s all about pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity and performance, making the already stunning world of Control even more immersive.
Unlocking the Frame Rate and Embracing VRR/120Hz
One of the most significant additions is the option to unlock the frame rate. Previously, players were limited to specific frame rate caps within the game’s Quality and Performance modes. Now, with the update, players can disable these caps, allowing the game to potentially reach higher frame rates. This feature is especially exciting when coupled with support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 120Hz displays. VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and judder, resulting in a smoother, more responsive experience. If you have a compatible TV or monitor, enabling VRR and unlocking the frame rate in Control Ultimate Edition can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
What are the benefits of VRR and a high refresh rate? VRR eliminates screen tearing, while a higher refresh rate (like 120Hz) reduces input lag, making the game feel more responsive.
PSSR: PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Explained
The update also incorporates Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology on the PS5 Pro. PSSR is a temporal upscaling technique that aims to deliver image quality that rivals native resolution, while maintaining a higher frame rate. It essentially reconstructs a higher resolution image from a lower resolution input, minimizing aliasing (jagged edges) and improving overall clarity. Remedy has implemented PSSR to enhance edges, hair detail, and vegetation quality within Control Ultimate Edition.
Key features of PSSR:
- Upscaling: Renders the game at a lower resolution and then upscales it to near-native 4K.
- Temporal Data: Utilizes information from previous frames to improve image quality and reduce artifacts.
- Improved Detail: Enhances finer details like hair and vegetation.
However, Remedy is also transparent about the potential performance impact of using PSSR. The patch notes explicitly state that “Using PSSR can slightly impact performance,” giving players the option to disable it if they prefer a higher frame rate over improved image quality. This level of control is commendable and allows players to tailor the game’s visuals to their specific preferences and hardware setup.
Visual Fidelity Enhancements: Reflections, Textures, and Shadows
Beyond PSSR, the update brings further enhancements to visual fidelity, specifically for the PS5 Pro. These include:
- Improved Reflections: More accurate and detailed reflections contribute to a more realistic and immersive environment.
- Increased Texture Resolution: Higher resolution textures provide sharper and more detailed surfaces, adding to the overall visual richness of the game.
- Enhanced Shadow Resolution: Sharper and more defined shadows add depth and realism to the scene, making the world feel more tangible.
These improvements, combined with enhancements to SDR, HDR, and TAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing), make Control Ultimate Edition on the PS5 Pro a visually stunning experience. The Oldest House, with its brutalist architecture and otherworldly phenomena, benefits greatly from these graphical upgrades, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.
Will the PS5 Pro improve ray tracing performance in Control? Yes, with unlocked frame rate, VRR and 120hz display ray tracing has improved, making it an even sweeter gaming experience.
Ray Tracing and Performance Targets
Digital Foundry’s analysis of the update highlights the impressive performance targets achievable on both the PS5 and PS5 Pro. With the unlocked frame rate, VRR, and a 120Hz display, Control Ultimate Edition can run at approximately 40 frames per second with ray tracing enabled on the standard PS5. On the PS5 Pro, the game can achieve a smoother 60 frames per second with ray tracing under the same conditions. This is a significant achievement, allowing players to experience the beauty of ray-traced reflections and lighting without sacrificing performance.
The ability to play Control with ray tracing at a smooth frame rate is a game-changer. The reflections and lighting effects add a layer of realism and immersion that was previously unattainable on consoles. Seeing the distorted reflections in the Oldest House’s polished floors and the dramatic lighting cast by the Hiss-corrupted entities truly elevates the visual experience.
Rediscovering Control: Why It’s Worth Another Playthrough
For those who have already experienced Control, this update provides a compelling reason to return to the Oldest House. The enhanced visuals and improved performance make the game feel fresh and new, allowing you to appreciate its intricate details and atmospheric world in a way that wasn’t possible before. The allure of exploring the ever-shifting corridors and uncovering the mysteries of the Federal Bureau of Control is even more captivating with these graphical improvements.
Furthermore, for trophy hunters, the update presents an opportunity to re-platinum the game and experience the satisfaction of mastering its challenges with the added visual fidelity. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Control, this update is an excellent reason to immerse yourself in its captivating story and unique gameplay.
Conclusion: Control Ultimate Edition – A Visual Masterpiece
The latest update for Control Ultimate Edition on PS5 Pro is a testament to Remedy Entertainment’s commitment to delivering a visually stunning and technically impressive gaming experience. With features like unlocked frame rates, PSSR support, and enhanced visual fidelity, the game has been elevated to new heights. The combination of ray tracing and smooth performance on the PS5 Pro makes Control Ultimate Edition a truly next-gen experience. Whether you’re revisiting the Oldest House or embarking on your first journey into its surreal depths, this update offers a compelling reason to dive back into the world of Control. What are your thoughts on the Control Ultimate Edition update? Are you planning on revisiting the game to experience the enhanced visuals and performance? Comment below!
Sources & Further Reading:
Original article at www.techradar.com
