Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PS5 Pro delivers huge image quality improvements at 60fps

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has garnered much acclaim for its stunning visuals, showcasing exceptional character modeling, intricately detailed open-world environments, and vibrant, dynamic combat. However, the performance mode was criticized for its subpar image quality, which was marred by lower rendering resolutions and a lack of clarity. Fortunately, the introduction of the PlayStation 5 Pro aims to address these shortcomings with significant visual enhancements.

Visual Upgrades with PS5 Pro

The upcoming PS5 Pro upgrade promises to greatly enhance the visual fidelity of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Utilizing Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling technology, the game will deliver sharper and more vibrant visuals, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience. Early footage indicates a remarkable improvement, showcasing a clear distinction between the base console and the Pro version.

Uninterrupted Gameplay Experience

The showcased gameplay footage features an uninterrupted sequence from the beginning of chapter two, highlighting the game’s expansive open-world design. The visuals are targeted at 60fps, similar to the performance mode on the standard PS5. The intro cutscene demonstrates the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, presenting a crisp 4K image that is a significant upgrade from the blurry 1080p-like rendering on the base model.

Enhanced Detail and Texture Quality

One of the most noticeable improvements on the PS5 Pro is the increased detail in environmental elements. Players can observe finer textures and details, such as the intricate foliage and skin textures that were previously less defined. For instance, Barrett’s skin now exhibits pore details that were blurred out on the standard PS5, and Tifa’s hair shows individual strands in close-up shots, showcasing the power of the Pro hardware.

Improved TAA Resolve and Stability

The PS5 Pro also addresses some of the issues related to temporal anti-aliasing (TAA) that plagued the original version. Ghosting effects, which led to visual artifacts during specific camera movements, are substantially reduced. Distant trees that previously appeared transparent now exhibit a more stable and solid appearance, enhancing the overall visual integrity of the game.

Gameplay and Combat Enhancements

The improvements extend into gameplay, with the PS5 Pro efficiently handling the game’s intricate geometry and shader-powered details. Fast-paced combat scenes show a marked reduction in motion blur compared to the base console, allowing for clearer visuals even during chaotic encounters. Particle effects also display a higher level of clarity and detail, contributing to a more visually appealing combat experience.

Technical Details: PSSR and Resolution

Utilizing PSSR, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the PS5 Pro achieves a significant resolution boost without the hardware being overwhelmed. The internal resolution ranges from approximately 1152p to 1224p, enhancing the overall image quality while maintaining a smooth frame rate. This upsampling technique stands in stark contrast to the base PS5’s performance mode, which lacked effective temporal upsampling, leading to softer final renders.

Visual Consistency and Performance

While the PS5 Pro offers improvements in image quality, some visual elements remain consistent with the standard PS5. Shadow resolution and texture quality appear largely unchanged, with some minor low-resolution textures still present. Additionally, certain lighting issues, particularly in smaller vegetation and indirect lighting, have not been significantly addressed. However, these limitations do not detract from the overall visual upgrade.

Performance Metrics

Performance-wise, the PS5 Pro shows a more consistent frame rate compared to the standard PS5. The base console may encounter frame drops during intense sequences or cutscenes, while the Pro maintains a stable 60fps even in demanding scenarios. This stability enhances the overall gameplay experience, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the action without distraction.

Final Thoughts on the Upgrade

The PS5 Pro upgrade for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents a significant leap in visual fidelity and performance. The enhancements brought by PSSR and the increased hardware capabilities allow for a more immersive and visually stunning experience. While some technical limitations remain, the overall improvements make the PS5 Pro the preferred platform for experiencing this celebrated title.