Csikszent Mihalyi
DUST University
Ivy League
96
   |
Posted - 2013.09.05 16:08:00 -
[1] - Quote
TL/DR: Just read the title and move on.
I intended this to be a reply to one of the aiming threads, but I realised that this is really a core issue which is very important to me. Sadly it is not something that can be fixed over night, but it disappoints me that there seems to be comparatively little awareness of the issue.
To start with, let me say that I do think that the game is coming along very nicely. Aiming controls are definitely improved now for both stick and mouse users (whiners will be whiners), and the overall look and feel of the game is really getting there.
The mouse input is about as good as it can get now with 30 FPS (which sadly, isn't spectacularly good).
But the real issue is when the framerates noticeable drop below 30 FPS (not in an exceptional situation, but CONSTANTLY). As a mouse user you then get to choose between horribly choppy mouse movement without mouse smoothing, or unpredictable responsiveness with mouse smoothing. Unfortunately this happens a lot, especially on the maps with large outposts (including the new one).
It's really bad, and I feel that the battle for consistent 30 FPS is going to be the next major thing that DUST will have to tackle if you want to create a really good feeling for the game mechanics. I hope that we will not have to wait for a PS4 version before we see it happen.
Meeting your target framerate really isn't optional for a console game. Right now, this is the biggest disappointment for me. Smaller maps show that it can be done, but that it's being wilfully ignored to make larger, more spectacular maps possible. Is this an acceptable compromise? I don't think so.
When the time comes for the PS4 version, please make sure it runs at a fluid and stable 60 FPS before adding any graphical detail... to make up for all the suffering you are putting us through.  Thank you!
P.S.: My detail levels are set to low, so it's not that. There are not that many differences between PS3 models and I've played enough games to be able to tell when target framerates are not met, so please don't tell me that this is only happening in my imagination. I see people talk about the SYMPTOMS of low FPS all the time (input lag, choppy movement, hit detection issues, aiming difficulties, etc.), but very few seem to be consciously aware of the CAUSE. I think that's a shame, because only if we unitedly lobby for stable framerates can we ensure that CCP, when in doubt, will not accept content that cannot run at 30 FPS with 32 active players. |
Csikszent Mihalyi
DUST University
Ivy League
102
|
Posted - 2013.09.06 10:21:00 -
[2] - Quote
Meeko Fent wrote:Heh, you fancy PC gamers with 60-100 FPS...
I remember when I was happy getting 45 FPS on Oblivion. On the Low setting.
Be happy. It can always be worse.
30 FPS is not the problem, I can live with it even though it's far from ideal. The problem is that DUST rarely maintains those 30 FPS, and often stays below for entire matches. Low FPS are one thing, but what's really noticeable and annoying is when FPS fluctuate because target framerates are not met. FPS are never truly stable unless you hit the target consistently, that's why most console games are locked at a low 30 FPS rather than to just let the game run as fast as possible.
Although dropping below 30 FPS is far worse than dropping below 60 FPS, because then you quickly reach unplayable regions. Anything below 30 FPS is really poor, and the game is suffering tremendously from this. |