So, all this time we've seen footage of Watch Dogs and how it will look for PC and next-gen consoles, but one thing Ubisoft has avoided like the plague is showcasing how the game will look running in real-time on your Xbox 360 and PS3. Well, that all changes today.
Lo and behold current gen processing power and RAM limitations in all its glory!
That's right folks, $60 on current-gen will net you a game that looks like GTA IV and sub-par frame rates that may or may not dip below 30fps. That is the price you pay for an open-world game on aged, geriatric hardware.
Many YouTube commentors are in complete denial; they're throwing their arms up and flailing their fingers while froth spills from their foamy mouths like a rabid dog. The disillusion has set in and the delusion of marketing press material has been wiped clean from their fanboy eyes. This. Is. Reality.
The main thing to consider is that Watch Dogs on Xbox 360 and PS3 looks par the course. You're getting a game set in an open world where you can drive cars, spy on anyone, go where ever you want and do stuff that completely manipulates the world you interact with in ways never before seen in games. With 512MB and 256MB respectively at the dev team's disposal, I'd say the game doesn't look half as bad for allowing such features.
When you have to process tons of new-generation AI, advanced interactive AI routines, deal with vehicle and traffic control, real-time lighting, day and night cycles, as well as all the interactive branching paths associated with player decisions... you're looking at a game that's just lucky to run on current-gen consoles at all and look the way it does.
However, the real issue is probably that $60 isn't going to get you the same game on the current-gen systems the same way that $60 will get you an awesome game on the PS4, Xbox One, Wii U and PC. You can look for the game to launch in early fall for the system of your choice. You can learn more about the game by paying a visit to the official website.
And just so the bad graphics from the age-old consoles doesn't infect your day with bad thoughts, you can take solace in knowing that if you've already pre-ordered a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One (or if you're one of the members of the illustrious PC Master Race) you can see the game in all its intended glory with the trailer below. Enjoy... and happy hacking!
