Resident Evil Requiem Pioneers Enhanced PSSR on PS5 Pro

Sony has confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem is the first game to utilize its upgraded PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler on PlayStation 5 Pro. This enhanced version of PSSR is scheduled for a global rollout to PS5 Pro players in the coming weeks.

Mark Cerny Details PSSR Advancements

Mark Cerny, Lead Architect for PS5 and PS5 Pro, shed light on the capabilities of PSSR. He explained that PSSR functions as an AI library, meticulously analyzing game images pixel by pixel during the upscaling process. This technology has previously boosted the effective resolution of over 50 titles on PS5 Pro.

Cerny highlighted the significant evolution in the new PSSR. He stated that the new PSSR features a different approach to its neural network and overall algorithm. Resident Evil Requiem is the inaugural title to implement this advanced PSSR, contributing to maintaining both high frame rates and image quality.

"The new PSSR features a different approach to its neural network and overall algorithm."

Capcom's Focus on Visual Fidelity in Requiem

Masaru Ijuin, Senior Manager of Engine Development Support Section at Capcom, provided insights into Resident Evil Requiem's development journey. He noted that Capcom focused on enhancing the protagonist's visual quality via an upgraded RE Engine to improve player immersion.

This commitment to detail included rendering individual hair and beard strands as polygons, allowing for highly realistic movement and light interaction. Ijuin further indicated that the upgraded PSSR has successfully processed these intricate details and textures.

"The upgraded PSSR has successfully processed these intricate details and textures, which are traditionally challenging to upscale."

Technical Origins: Project Amethyst Partnership

Sony also published comparison screenshots of Resident Evil Requiem, vividly illustrating the differences between the original and new PSSR upscaling. The enhanced version notably displayed slightly more defined hair strands.

Cerny clarified the sophisticated origins of this new technology. He revealed that the algorithm and neural network for the new PSSR originate from Sony’s Project Amethyst partnership with AMD. This collaborative effort previously led to the development of AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling technology for PC gamers. The updated PSSR for PS5 Pro incorporates this co-developed technology, further refined with an additional six months of dedicated development.

Upcoming Rollout and System Update

Sony has announced plans to update multiple existing games to the improved PSSR in March, although specific titles have yet to be disclosed. A system software update will also be released at that time, enabling PS5 Pro users to experience the new PSSR in compatible games by selecting “Enhance PSSR Image Quality” in the console’s settings.

Cerny suggested that after this update, certain games might display noticeably crisper graphics.

Resident Evil Requiem has already made a significant impact, achieving Steam's largest launch for a Resident Evil title.