Earlier today, it was revealed that the PS4 version of Watch Dogs would be presented in 1080p. While Microsoft states that the Xbox One is perfectly capable of supporting games in full HD, Ubisoft has yet to confirm if their new open-world title will feature the same visual prowess. While the presentation and resolution debate continues for the console versions, a new trailer was released for the PC version, demonstrating some of the visual features made possible with NVidia technology.
After watching the new trailer for the PC version of Watch Dogs, those recommended system specifications now make much more sense. The base requirements for Watch Dogs are fairly simplistic; all it asks for is an operating system higher than Windows Vista (Service Pack 2), and Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400, 6 GB RAM, and a DX11 supported GPU. On the other end of the spectrum however, the recommended settings ask for an Eight Core Intel Core i7-3770, which- needless to say- is a little crazy. A new trailer inadvertently explains the reasoning behind having such a powerful CPU, as Watch Dogs will use several of NVidia’s environmental graphic perks. According to the new footage, Watch Dogs will utilize TXAA (temporal anti-aliasing) to address screen-tearing and flickering. In panning-camera shots, TXAA also helps to reduce the “shimmering” effect between close repeating objects such as fence planks and leaves. NVidia is also bringing HBAO+ (horizon-based ambient occlusion) rendering into the PC version of Watch Dogs, to create believable real-time shadows and lighting. HBAO+ creates active lighting situations that are cast onto the environment; according to the trailer, this is less taxing than having to individually render each shadow onto the environment.
Watch Dogs is turning out to be quite the visual spectacle on PC. With the exception of the Wii U version, Watch Dogs will release on all other platforms (PC, 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4) on May 27. Which version will you be picking up?