In our recent interview, Omega Force Producer Akihiro Suzuki stated that Dynasty Warriors 9, the upcoming open world action game due on February 13th for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, would use checkerboard rendering on PlayStation 4 Pro to reach 4K resolution.
However, it did sound a bit odd in comparison to Xbox One X's native 1440P as we were expecting a larger difference. We inquired to double check the info and KOEI TECMO got back to us today with the following statement, which is more in line with the differences we've seen between Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro so far.
The reference to Checkerboard rendering was an error; for the PS4, we used the 1080p resolution and applied geometry rendering techniques to for upscaling to 4K. For the Xbox One X, yes we took native 1440P and used upscaling to get 4K resolution.
Here's how Digital Foundry described geometry rendering while unveiling PlayStation 4 Pro's hardware with architect Mark Cerny.
Geometry rendering is a simpler form of ultra HD rendering that allows developers to create a 'pseudo-4K' image, in very basic terms. 1080p render targets are generated with depth values equivalent to a full 4K buffer, plus each pixel also has full ID buffer data - the end result is that via a post-process, a 1080p setup of these 'exotic' pixels can be extrapolated into a 4K image with support for alpha elements such as foliage and storm fences (albeit at an extra cost). On pixel-counting, it would resolve as native 4K image, with 'missing' data extrapolated out using colour propagation from data taken from the ID buffer. However, there is a profound limitation.
When compared to checkerboard rendering, geometry rendering is much less demanding on the hardware but also provides visually inferior results. Very few developers have chosen to use it for their PlayStation 4 Pro games so far, with the notable exception of Gravity Rush 2.
As to Dynasty Warriors 9, we've got a review build in hand. Stay tuned for our review.
About the author: With over two decades of experience in gaming journalism, Alessio Palumbo has led the gaming vertical at Wccftech since August 2015. He started working at a young age for Italian websites like Everyeye.it, Gamestar.it, Nextgame.it, and Multiplayer.it before kickstarting the indie English-language publication Worlds Factory as its founder and Editor in Chief. In the last decade, he has coordinated the overall output of Wccftech's gaming section, managed PR relations, assigned reviews, produced daily news coverage, edited gaming content as needed, and delivered game reviews. Arguably, his trademark content is the long series of exclusive developer interviews that have been cited by Wikipedia and by the biggest news media and gaming publications. His passion for technology also makes him knowledgeable when it comes to gaming hardware and tech. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.
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