30fps issues need addressing - while PC’s lack of DLSS and FSR 2 is baffling.
Helldivers 2is one of the most refreshing - and straightforward - multiplayer games I’ve played in a while.
But does all that multiplayer chaos come with strings attached?
There’s a typical mix of modern graphical staples, but they are deployed effectively.
Volumetric lighting is heavily used, for instance, with shafts of light shooting through rocks and trees.
The quality level is high, presenting without obvious aliasing, even on the PS5 in its performance mode.
Environmental density is impressive.
There’s a lot of scattered rocks, shrubs, and tufts of grass throughout the various planets.
Foliage in particular can be generously placed, with some especially verdant garden worlds.
Those small details contrast against the environment especially nicely because of the game’s use of relatively high-resolution shadowmaps.
Other elements of the lighting perhaps don’t fare as well.
I’m not sure we’re looking at pre-calculated, ‘baked’ lighting.
The same can be said for reflections, which exhibit typical screen-space reflection ‘skirting’.
After surveying the game’s graphical tech, I wasn’t quite sure what we were looking at.
It makes the simple act of firing at enemies satisfying.
The most obvious split comes down to resolution.
The performance mode runs at 1080p, while the quality mode steps up to approximately 1728p.
In stationary shots, the difference between the two is obvious.
There’s also a setting to adjust the level of image sharpening.
Helldivers' performance mode runs smoothly.
The game can suffer from extended dips into the 50s though, typically during larger firefights.
The various prefs options mostly speak for themselves.
There are two options of note though.
It still doesn’t provide a pristine image though and aliasing remains a significant problem.
As a multiplayer experience, I think Helldivers 2 hits all the right notes.
So Helldivers 2 is a compelling multiplayer package, and it’s technically sound as well.
Players looking for a fresh co-op experience are unlikely to be disappointed.
