As reviews for Resident Evil Requiem rolled out, there were subtle hints that the PlayStation 5 Pro was benefiting from a new version of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Some journalists had to work around an embargo instead of confirming the news, but many believed Resident Evil Requiem was the first game to benefit from what many are calling PSSR 2.0. Well, Mark Cerny, lead architect on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, has confirmed an upgraded version of PSSR will be rolling out globally for the PlayStation 5 Pro in the coming weeks.
This new version of PSSR takes a very different approach, according to Cerny. These changes not only affect the neural network, but also the overall algorithm. The first title to use the more advanced PSSR is indeed Resident Evil Requiem, improving both frame rate and image quality throughout the game. Cerny added that the algorithm and neural network used in the new PSSR come from PlayStation’s Project Amethyst partnership with AMD.
More news is coming in March, as PlayStation expects multiple existing games to upgrade to the improved PSSR. PlayStation 5 Pro owners will want to look out for the system software update and the new Enhance PSSR Image Quality in the settings window. It’s a shame the update didn’t go live in time for Resident Evil Requiem, considering many are setting off on their journeys today and will likely finish the game before the new PSSR hits their consoles.
“With Resident Evil Requiem, we focused on enhancing the presentation quality of the protagonist through an upgraded version of RE Engine to deepen the player’s immersion in horror. For example, each individual strand of hair and beard is rendered as a polygon, allowing it to move realistically in response to body motion and wind. The way light passes through his hair changes depending on how the strands of hair are overlapped as well. This detailed expression of texture is one of the many details that we would especially love for our fans to see.
The upgraded PSSR has allowed us to elevate our expressiveness by successfully processing these details and textural particularities, which are traditionally difficult to upscale because of their intricacy. We hope you will experience this unprecedented level of horror and visual fidelity, and the new gameplay feel it delivers.”
Masaru Ijuin, Senior Manager Engine Development Support Section R&D Foundational Technology Department, Capcom
