Interesting. It's definitely a tradeoff, and I think it works in the game's favor here.

It looks like Ryse might have gone back up to 1080p. Yerli said Full HD on twitter a couple of hours ago.

www.gearnuke.com/crytek-ceo-ryse-downgrade-upgrades-promises-full-hd/

I like the new build better its less dark and you can see more details even with less polygons. I heard the game play got improved also I might give it a try sometime in the future.

It looks a lot shinier. It certainly doesn't look more realistic. Both builds look good imo, but if I have to choose I kind of prefer the more realistic, gritty look of the new build.

Yeah, its definitely a marked improvement in terms of pure aesthetics.

The SSS (sub surface scattering) used on the skin, the changes made to the armour; higher resolution normal maps, changes to the lighting/shadows and overall textures makes a world of difference to the overall scene. Character models might be a technically downgraded.. but objectively speaking, I can't spot the difference between the two. So its well worth the trade off in polys imo.

Edit: Also, like that they dialed back the specular maps on the armour. Makes them look like they're actually worn pieces of equipment rather than a new chromed out metal.

They've gone from dark skinned to fair skinned; Crytek racism confirmed?

Seriously though, polygons aren't actually that important once you get to a certain point. The law of diminishing returns really does have an impact, and adding extra effects makes a bigger difference.

Most of the changes seems to be more artistic in nature (going for a more natural look rather than the bright shiny armour of the old build. I notice a bit of a reduction in texture res on the skin but they've added better draw distance which will be far more noticeable in game.

It's only Ryse. I'll be a lot more upset if Forza 5 gets this kind of downgrade.

Looks fine. Holy diminishing returns.

I'll admit I exaggerated. It only went maybe 50% worse in my opinion, not a whole generation.

Also I like to point out that I love bright and shiny metal even if it's a bit unrealistic. Same with Oblivion. It has slightly unrealistic, often very shiny metal but I love it, and also it has very bright bloom/HDR lighting that many criticized for being too much while I absolutely loved it (even though I'm a realism over stylistic guy at heart).

You can also have me on record for never criticizing Rysle grafix until now. I praised Ryse grafix being the second best next gen grafix (after MGS5 if I remember correctly EDIT: no wait, it was The Division. The Division has the best graphics, Ryse comes second).

Lighting has improved.