The primary thought that got here to thoughts when beginning Pink Lifeless Redemption on PlayStation 5 is how effectively the 13-year outdated recreation holds up visually. The second was that there was nonetheless no means in hell I might advocate it to anybody for a “next-gen” price ticket of $50. The graphics are clear and crisp, however in any other case it’s the identical recreation that’s been accessible for years on Xbox One with out the Undead Nightmare DLC for nearly half that value.
The cinematic scenes and character interactions nonetheless draw you in, and the performances remind you why Rockstar Video games’ open-world Western was a worthy GOTY contender (Tremendous Mario Galaxy 2 and Mass Impact 2 additionally got here out in 2010). It nonetheless appears like an outdated recreation, particularly with the unique interface, often clunky motion, and less-than-snappy controls. Look out throughout sprawling prairies or cactus-filled desserts and also you’ll instantly bear in mind this can be a PS3/Xbox 360-era world. Then the solar begins to go down behind the clouds and also you bear in mind how particular it was on the time and instantly really feel pulled again into its drama.
I spent a few hours with the sport on PS5, a clip of which you’ll be able to see above, and didn’t run into any actual points. It’s locked to a disappointing 30fps, however retains a constant efficiency outdoors of some occasional stuttering throughout cutscenes. In response to Digital Foundry’s evaluation, the PS4 port resolves to “full 4K decision” and even appears to be like barely higher on PS5 than the backwards appropriate model on Xbox Sequence X/S, particularly with regards to shadows. However the variations are largely restricted to trivia that few individuals are more likely to discover. “It’s the sort of recreation that doesn’t really want a serious overhaul to work effectively on fashionable methods—besides this can be a very barebones effort,” wrote Oliver Mackenzie.
The port could be a house run if not for the $50 head scratcher. It’s not the form of factor I often wish to harp on, and you probably have the cash to spare, and by no means performed Pink Lifeless Redemption earlier than, and solely have a PS4 or PS5, go for it! However for anybody who simply desires to revisit the sport or is overwhelmed by the stunning bounty of nice new video games this 12 months, it’s possible an on the spot deal breaker, and nothing throughout my time taking part in it satisfied me in any other case. Perhaps the sport will come to PS Plus in a couple of months, or go on sale in the course of the vacation. For now it’s only a dear journey down reminiscence lane with nothing new to supply.
