Selnors Graphics prediction Alan Wake review thread.

[binary solo]

I was hoping for AW to really push the PS3 graphics kings to challenge PS3 developers to go one better. If these early quoted reviews are a reflection of how graphics will be described it doesn't look like my hopes will come true.

I don't think it's enough for the graphics competition to be within the PS3 exclusive developer community. Cross platform competition is the best motivator for continued improvement, not just for graphics but for overall game quality too.

Remedy have done amazing things with their lighting, if there was a lighting effects GOTY award AW would be the front runner for sure. And from the perspective of what the game needed graphics wise to create the right atmosphere, look and feel Remedy seem to have exceeded what they needed to achieve, by making sure the night lighting was outstandingly done.

I wonder if Remedy even consciously thought about trying to be overall graphics king (which would have been the wrong motivation IMO) or whether they remained focussed on delivering the visuals that were needed for the game to work as intended (i.e. perfect the lighting dynamic). I don't recall Remedy making expansive claims about being the Uncharted 2 graphics killer, so has it been a manufactured expectation on the part of overzealous fans?

But what if it really does turn out that 360 will never be able to touch PS3 exclusives for graphics, even with the Crytex engine? It will of course drive 360 exclusive developers to focus on other aspects of game quality, which at the end of the day would probably serve 360 gamers better. With 360 delivering innovative high quality gaming experiences. This would then flow through to Sony developers who would be forced to make sure overall game quality was continually improved, not just graphics.