Here we are yet again talking about graphical downgrades. The fact that we have to is kind of depressing; having to question why games that we're buying do not look like how they were advertised has become a central discussion point this month. Watch Dogs, potentially inFAMOUS: Second Son (although, Sucker Punch were quick to shut down allegations), and Dark Souls 2 are in the spotlight.
Dark Souls 2's lighting engine has been under scrutiny by gamers and critics alike that have been comparing the game's trailers to the final product in their hands. After a quick look, the differences are visibly significant; the lighting in the game has seen considerable changes that features less lighting depth, quality, and weaker shadows.
The differences also go beyond the lighting. In a post on NeoGaf showing off three builds from the game (Reveal, TGS 2013, and Retail) differences in level geometry and background details can be found.
Now, these visuals differences don't make a bad game, but it does promote a deception behind advertising a game to consumers. Thankfully, though, it looks like Namco Bandai might be issuing a response to the differences rather than quietly hiding in the shadows.
inFAMOUS: Second Son Tech Art Lead Shoots Down Graphical Downgrade Accusations
Jason Schreier of Kotaku has stated within the NeoGaf thread about Dark Souls 2's downgrade that he has spoken to Namco Bandai's PR and that a response is being worked on in Japan. If and when the response comes, Jason says that it will be posted to Kotaku.
Dark Souls 2 is currently only available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with a PC version coming in April. Some believe that the visual downgrade may be attributed to the PC version being used for promotional material, well, they're hoping it's that.
While I could see the PC version featuring better lighting, I don't think it would be so superior as to have better level geometry. But if the answer was as simple as "it's the PC version", we would have probably heard that by now.
Via: DSOGaming
