Star Wars Battlefront 2 PS4 Pro First Look Digitalfoundry

One of our highlights from Gamescom 2017 was Star Wars Battlefront 2 at the EA booth, with a really cool space battle demo. Rich played it to death and bagged a ton of PlayStation 4 Pro capture. Here's his full report.

[Aurenar]

I hope they get it to 1440p at least...

[MegaMohsi]

Considering BF1 ran dynamic from 1080-1600p, almost certain the final release will have a higher resolution. Although 1080/60 with ultra pc settings would be fine for me as well.

[81BX]

I was going to say, doesn't it depend on the detail as well? The last game was amazing looking so I expect no less from this one

[Babadook7]

Pre alpha says little about what the game will feature in final code. Battlefield 1 was up to 1656p with significantly smoother frames rates over ps4 so expect good things to come at release.

[Skull521]

Yikes, the native 4K60 of the XBOX is going to put the PS4P version of this game to shame.

[Bruh]

BF1 ran with a dynamic resolution that varied from 1080p to checkerboard 1800p

[OffRoadKing]

@Skull521

Have they actually released the final specs for this game on xbone x or are you just trolling?

[BrettAwesome]

@skull521 - jeez, you're a fucking idiot

[freshslicepizza]

Well if they can manage at least checkerboarding 4K and 60fps on the XB1X then it puts even more questions into why Bungie couldn't get a higher frame rate for Destiny 2, even if it means 720p on the Xbox One S and 900p on the PS4.

[memots]

@Skull521
Did Ms really brainwash you that much.
I guess there is no point. I was talking to someone who doesnt follow gaming at all and he was "told" that Xbox one X was all 4k. Like that mattered suddenly since he doesnt even have a 4k Tv.
Told me the Ps4 pro and Xbox one S could do exactly like the xbone X and do some sort of 4k and he had no idea. Proof that Ms goes for the lowest common dominator and make em believe anything

[Gazondaily]

Whaaa 1080p 60 on Pro? That must surely improve. Luckily it's pre Alpha

[MegaMohsi]

The first BF ran 900p/60 on PS4, my guess is the final version on Pro will be dynamic 1080 - 1440p max/60

If they do checkerboarding then could definitely go a bit higher.

[Zero_Suit_Samus]

“Whaaa 1080p 60 on Pro? That must surely improve. Luckily it's pre Alpha”

And if it don't? It’s the same game regardless and it will play great at 60fps.

[snoopgg]

Luckily Crackdown was delayed, huh septic.

[Silly gameAr]

Bro, it's going to sell the most on any PS4 console anyway. Doesn't mater if it's Pro or PS4 og. I'd say that resolution isn't going to be the end all factor for sales of this game, if you know what I mean.

[Pricey]

Whaaa Septic concern trolling again? Surely not.

[freshslicepizza]

@Silly gameAr
"Bro, it's going to sell the most on any PS4 console anyway. Doesn't mater if it's Pro or PS4 og. I'd say that resolution isn't going to be the end all factor for sales of this game, if you know what I mean."

You're right. I'm sure most people who bought a PS4 Pro are far more concerned with how many copies a game sells than the quality and performance of those titles.

[MegaMohsi]

The first

[Bigpappy]

Many here said 1080p 60fps should be the target for their Pro. So that's exactly what they are getting. The problem with that for me is I have a 4K TV and prefer a higher fidelity. 30fps for me is not a deal breaker when it stays solid.

[81BX]

Yeah I can see that but it's a case by case basis.

[letsa_go]

I don't get why it is one or the other...they just need one slider with two options: Performance(60fps) or Quality(4k)

[Bigpappy]

agreed letsa_go. TR will have 3 settings on the X: 4Knative @30fps, 1440 can not recall fps and 1080p ultra@60fps. I have seen a few games offer setting choice on the Pro, so this may be done here too.

[Zeref]

so we can expect native 4k or at the least dynamic 4k on Xbox one X. great news.

[DialgaMarine]

Native 4K/ 60, I sincerely doubt. Not unless you want 360-level textures anyways. One look at this game and you can tell it's incredibly demanding. X isn't THAT much more powerful than the Pro. People seriously overestimate that 20% difference.

[letsa_go]

hahah did you seriously just make something up, and then tell yourself it is great news??? hahahah That's hilarious

[Aenea]

How do you come to this silly conclusion?

[Zeref]

I see PS4 fanboys are still in denial.

[Aenea]

"I see PS4 fanboys are still in denial."

LOL, seems to me there's only one person here whose in denial!

[Realms]

@ Zeref

Well unless developers choose to optimize for the X there won't be a massive difference even then PC still get's the best version so what's your point?

[Obscure_Observer]

I hope they reach at least 1440p/60fps

[sampson3121]

a locked 60 is all i need.

[strifeblade]

ouch. bring on the xbox one x lets see how this game really runs

[ILostMyMind]

Maybe they do 4K/30fps low textures for some guys.

[philemond2010]

😂😂😂

[LastCenturyRob]

They won't...The game is very demanding...Probably checkerboarding at best, but I still don't know why so many people dump on full 1080p/60. My primary console is Xbox and have had to deal with all this resolution garbage when reading articles online for a while now.... Just could never understand if a game looks and plays great why pixel count becomes so dominant.

[Erik7357]

Would honestly prefer 140hz 1080p for fps honestly

[MegaMohsi]

Take notes Bungie 1080/60 >>> 4k/30

Also being pre-alpha footage I'm pretty sure the final release will be higher then 1080p, similar to BF1.

[Zero_Suit_Samus]

For a first person shooter it’s 60fps or die.

[Zeref]

So this will be Native 4K or Checkerboard 4K/60 on Xbox One X.

4K/60 > 1080p/60

[WilliamSheridan]

Maybe maybe not... I would use Battlefield 1 as the reference point...

I'm excited, and can't wait to get my X, but im trying to limit my excitement because the Pro didn't blow me away...

[aaronaton]

There are only gunna be 5 or 6 players on the XB1 version of BF2 at any one time, doesn't matter if if can do 8k!

[r2oB]

@ zeref

It will also be 720p/60 on the Xbox One, which is what 99% of the Xbox playerbase will be.

Every PS4 console > 720p/60

Id recommend before Xbox gamers try and throw shade regarding power, they remember they are also throwing shade at the 99% of Xbox gamers that are playing on the weakest current gen console.

[Aenea]

Checkerboard? Perhaps
Native 4k? Nope

Try to be realistic!

Am expecting this to run checkerboard rendered on the Pro as well, perhaps even 2160p CB, otherwise 1800p and then upscaled...

[Thunder_G0d_Bane]

Bungie has Destiny 2 at 4K 60fps+ for pc so maybe you should think about your platform of choice?

[Neonridr]

here's hoping the Pro can definitely push it even higher by release time.

[WilliamSheridan]

I'm sure they will get to 1440... It's in Pre Alpha...

1080 should be the goal for the base unit...

[InTheZoneAC]

and battlefield ran at a high res at 60fps as well.

Too bad everyone's making excuses for why bungie is unable to do the same with their pvp mode, all 4v4 of it.

[Pandamobile]

To give you a bit of industry context, in most cases multiplayer games are on CPUs than games that are heavy on simulation for AI and world systems. Developers obviously want their games to hit 60 FPS, but CPU bottlenecks are going to be a big limiting factor in this generation of consoles.

[InTheZoneAC]

and in Destiny PVE is still a multiplayer game so I'm not buying the excuse that the PVP side is taking up more CPu resources where there's no CPU enemies, CPU ai, cpu script, tons of onscreen enemies, more level effects, more of everything.

PVP is bare bones compared to PVE.

[EmperorDalek]

If you're arguing that Destiny 2 should be 60fps on all consoles, then that's fine. Destiny fans just don't want Pro and XBX players to have an unfair frame-rate advantage over everyone else

Dice make the best graphics in gaming, and Activision doesn't have any developers that can compete. But still, I agree it should be 60fps considering the ordinary graphics. It was rather choppy in the beta.

[InTheZoneAC]

I'm not talking about pro but even still your argument makes no sense.

Destiny fans don't want 30 vs 60 on consoles, but destiny fans have no problems on pc when people can be under 30fps and some can be as high as 144? OK. Yes I'm completely aware you can't have all pc players play at max spec, but that doesn't mean they should be allowed a much higher fps cap to have a bigger difference than on consoles.

[WilliamSheridan]

Bungie can't do it because they are using a shitty off the shelf game engine. They need to make their own like with Halo and COD and EA

[Pandamobile]

Bungie do use their own engine. It's built on top of the same framework that they used for their Halo titles.

[EmperorDalek]

"I'm not talking about Pro" - This is an article about the Pro... so perhaps you could have made that more clear.

But anyway that's something that PC players just have to deal with, which they have done for every multiplayer game in the past. People who can only run destiny 2 at 30fps on PC probably aren't all that bothered about being competitive, whereas competitive players will want more powerful rigs to handle 60fps and above.

Consoles are different. Unlike PC, you know what hardware the majority of console players are using. Therefore, games should be developed with that in mind. What you don't want, is for maybe 5-10% of users to have an unfair advantage via double the frame rate.
What you do want however, is for Pro and XBX players to have a better looking game, while keeping everyone on the same playing field. A simple 4K upgrade provides this.

Pro and XBX exist to make games look better, that's it. It's not intended to give an unfair advantage over the majority of players. SIngle player games can have an fps boost, but not competitive multiplayer ones.

"but destiny fans have no problems on pc..." What Destiny fans on PC? The first wasn't on it, and bugger all people will be going from Console to PC to play it, especially not with the community it has. What happens with the PC playerbase shouldn't at all affect console users, and vice versa.

[InTheZoneAC]

Seeing how a lot of people are jumping to pc destiny over xbox and some from ps4 there are many fans on pc

It's not my point, but still it's relevant as all I hear is pro can't be 60fps because that would be unfair, yet everyone stays quiet on pc when someone playing at 25fps is going up against 144fps mlg all-pros.

[Silly gameAr]

But, the pro is weak, under priced, and no 4K. I'm looking for that premium choice for my 3rd party gaming. That's the only way I can enjoy my games. So weak, Sony. So weak.

[Zero_Suit_Samus]

“But, the pro is weak, under priced, and no 4K. I'm looking for that premium choice for my 3rd party gaming. That's the only way I can enjoy my games. So weak, Sony. So weak.”

/s

[Silly gameAr]

Dude, if people can't tell that's sarcasm, then I don't know what to say.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Silly- lol, but there are folks on this site that would legit post that seriously.

[Allsystemgamer]

Then play on PC if power matters so much. You're getting a resolution bump.

[WilliamSheridan]

He was attempting at being sarcasticbut didn't realize he was spot on for most of it.

[WilliamSheridan]

I own a Pro, but you made a good point. It is underpowered. I thought I'd enjoy it more.

But for the price, it's a bargain....

[Ju]

I own a Pro (and a Slim). Once you have it, getting used to it is easy. Switching back once in a while and you get it. Pro plays it just fine.

[ocelot07]

Best get building that PC quick. I highly recommend a 1080TI it's a beast of a card. No need to worry about 30FPS on any game. Weather that be Star Wars or Crackdown or Sea Of Thieves or Destiny 2. It's a little expensive but if you truly want that premium choice for 3rd party gaming it's going to cost you.

[WilliamSheridan]

Can't wait to see it on X

[snoopgg]

Can't wait for it on xboxs lol

[WilliamSheridan]

I have an S currently also... But I'm dying to finally justify my 4k tv

[VariantAEC]

@WilliamSheridan
Was WipEout: Omega Collection with it's native 4K 60FPS and HDR not enough?

[i3eyond the Circle]

Let the X speak for itself guys....coming into a ps4 article flexing is unnecessary. Its almost cringeworthy....not that your happy about the X but the oversaturation is petty. Play your cards right and be the better side to this one sided site.

1080p/60fps is not bad at all and I can't wait to see how all versions run.

[WilliamSheridan]

It's an article about a game. You guys post all over our X articles. I'm saying the game looks good on the Pro, which I own, and I'm excited to see how much better it can look...

If this bothers you, you are just salty... Buy both consoles and stop getting offended

[i3eyond the Circle]

Barking up the wrong tree my friend.

[WilliamSheridan]

Woof

[dRanzer]

you think the x can run this at 4k native?

[WilliamSheridan]

If the Pro is only producing 1080, then no I don't think so... Probably closer to 1440 then... If the Pro gets up to 1440, then maybe we can at least get a checkerboard 2160 from X... In any case, I just want to see some 4k material because my tv has been begging for it. The onlygame I have running 4k is HZD, and that's checkerboard. Plus I get crazy texture and detail pop in for some reason, so that game has me upset...

[Ju]

In HZD? Since when? I got a couple of native 4K games; but the block busters run lower, true (except Fifa, which is a block buster game, but not so much a strain on the renderer - even though character models look astounding at some close ups). But HZD sure is the looker. I think if this would run 1440 native, the XoX could run this native at 4K, or if it would be ~1600p CB then the XoX should run this in 4K CB. Whichever way, I think it will look fantastic.

[Silly gameAr]

lol

[Ju]

So many of those so excited for 4K gaming when they have never even touched a game running >1080p (or lower?).

[Crazywhitie]

Dam another title set to be limit do to console specs. I love my pro but it's way under powered for an upgraded console

[marquisray]

Man I have the x, now I need to find the best 4k tv, any suggestions, and I mean 2017 QLED or OLED

[mark_parch]

sony 900e is just as good as oled but loads cheaper. ive just picked up the 65" and it's fucking amazing

[NexusFX]

I would suggest for the price to go with the LG C7, the QLED has a lot of light bleed. Literally went to the store today to compare the two in person and it was no contest, true black uniformity wins out easily. Also like everyone else here has said, check out rtings.com, its the best place for comparison.

[NexusFX]

Here is the link to see the "Best in Class" for HDR Gaming http://www.rtings.com/tv/re...

[Bruh]

Probably be 1800p checkerboard like BF1 with a dynamic resolution scaler. Though I'd much rather prefer ultra settings at 1440p on the Pro. The One X will probably be checkerboard 4K

[jokerisalive]

1080/60 is fine for me. The PRO does deliver crisp pristine IQ regardless but I am sure they can get it to 1440P and use Checkerboard rendering to hit 4k. Either way the game is gonna sell like crazy on PS4.

[mark_parch]

1080p is a bit disappointing for the pro. I have just purchased 65" 4k tv so i'll probably get this on xbox one x instead, I imagine it will use some type of checkerboard or dynamic resolution but certainly higher than 1080p

[Donnie81]

I wouldn't mind having a few different options to choose from. A 1080 60 mode with lots of bells and whistles sounds pretty good though tbh.

[traumadisaster]

I wouldn't base one single conclusion on alpha, much less pre alpha. Why beta was not shown does make a red flag go up though because based on past history EA can mess up anything.

[lolosgolos]

A 4K or 4k cb 60 with all the bells and whistles is even better. Sadly a pipe dream for PS4 pro

[corroios]

What about the ps4 and xbox one , because there is where 90% of the gamers are. The mid upgrades are a minority of gamers. I have doubts that even the ones here on the comments got one! What kind of rez do the main game have?

No console will run this at native 4k at 60 frames.

[HeisenbergX]

Awesome can't wait for this game.. pleaseee pleasee be a Star Wars game we deserve!

It's been too long since BF2.

[KickSpinFilter]

I rather have more elements and detail on screen and at 1080p / 60fps, than 4K, less elements and detail at 60fps.

[Artemidorus]

Terrible, struggling already pre alpha or not.

[The_Sage]

I think I'm one of the very few people here, if not the only one, that does not care for 60 frames per second. In my opinion it looks to smooth. Cheap almost... Like it was shot like a soap opera.

The PS4 edition of The Last of Us starts out with 60 fps on, and I couldn't stand it. I was very happy to see that I could go into settings and shut it off. With it on, the gritty feel was just somehow gone.

I'd rather resources were spent on lighting, shadowing, particle effects, and that sort of thing rather than increasing frame rate above 30, or resolution above 1080p.

[VariantAEC]

Me too!
Plus when developers figure out how to best optimize these effects they can scale up.
But them PC guys say consoles hold gaming back... From what?

[The_Sage]

Sadly, developers don't hear from people like us very often. All they see is the throngs of people talking about how more frames per second, or higher resolution is better, so that's what they focus on. 1080p still looks great on anything 100 inches or smaller. Not to say 4k doesn't look better, but at this point I wish developers would spend resources elsewhere.

[ttbob]

Looking forward to true 4k 60fps on my Pc while new consoles struggle and have to get creative ie dynamic 4k ie most of the time not 4k

[Tedakin]

I'd rather have a 1080p/60fps game that looks like Battlefront 2... than a 4k 30fps game that looks like garbage.

[jokerisalive]

Pro is powerful enough to hit 1440p.

[Realms]

Since when has 1080P 60FPS been bad? I will take it over 4K 30FPS some of you trolling hard and they have yet to release the Xbox X version specs yet you have the usual suspects talking smack. LOL

[MattE]

Game will look great on Pro but will be a showcase on Xb1X for sure..

[DaNineTwo]

I like the commentary. It seems the game is deserving of all the praise it has been getting. I do wonder though if DICE, because they were working on BF1 behind the scenes, put barely any effort into the first (reboot) Battlefront ? It seems as though, this time, all hands are on deck... and I can't wait ! Game's gonna look so good on my Xbox One X !