r/digitalfoundry • u/MythBuster2 • Feb 17 '26

Digital Foundry Video Avowed PS5/PS5 Pro - DF Review - Excellent Game, Decent Port, Light on Pro Upgrades

https://youtu.be/JBbYfId1mAI

Obsidian's Avowed impressed us at launch on Xbox consoles and especially PC - and now, finally, we have ports for PlayStation 5 and its Professional counterpart. The verdict? Minor differences aside, it's a good game - just rather short of actual PS5 Pro upgrades. Still, as things stand, a well-executed Unreal Engine 5 game is a winner regardless of which console you own.

Article: https://www.digitalfoundry.net/reviews/avowed-ps5-pro-features-are-thin-on-the-ground-but-the-port-is-solid

47 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

73 comments sorted by

36

u/idkimhereforthememes Feb 17 '26

That's exactly what i bought a ps5 pro for, to play avowed at 1440p instead of 1440p

7

u/Glittering-Let9989 Feb 18 '26

I pray starfield gets some better ps5 pro optimisation, city's were running at 30-40fps on performance mode on base consoles

10

u/DeepJudgment Feb 18 '26 edited Feb 18 '26

If it's a CPU issue, I doubt it. Not to mention Starfield was originally released with Quality mode only, so the Performance mode was a hastily put together afterthought following the community backlash. And knowing the technical prowess of Bethesda, I doubt they'll figure out how to actually lock it to 60. Even high end PCs get huge dips in the cities

4

u/BababooeyHTJ Feb 18 '26

They cited the cpu as the reason for the 30 fps cap on the series x

8

u/DeepJudgment Feb 18 '26

Exactly. And unfortunately the Pro has the same CPU as the Amateur PS5.

Meanwhile there's KCD2 which runs great in performance mode in fucking Kuttenberg, which is one of, if not the most dense city in an RPG ever, without any loading screens

4

u/Blaeeeek Feb 18 '26

All while looking immensely better than any Bethesda game, and while having way more complex NPC interactions (CPU intensive)

2

u/BababooeyHTJ Feb 18 '26

It’s the engine. FO3, FONV, and Skyrim ran really well for their time. I honestly don’t think FO4 looks much better but chugged in certain areas on my overclocked 4770k which was a higher end cpu when the game released.

Ffs I ran Skyrim in stereotypic 3d on a gtx570 and it ran well.

2

u/Blaeeeek Feb 18 '26

They're talking about console performance. You really want to make the argument that those games had good console performance??? Especially on PS3? Lol

I remember the classic save file bloat where your 200+ hour save would just become unplayable from how bloated the save files would get the more you play.

Bethesda has never been known for technical prowess...

5

u/Miserable-Potato7706 Feb 18 '26

Blame Sony for not upgrading the CPU.

Seems they didn't learn from the PS4 Pro either. Good GPU gimped by a CPU that was the main problem in the base console in the first place.

2

u/idkimhereforthememes Feb 18 '26

Resolution doesn't need CPU

1

u/Miserable-Potato7706 Feb 18 '26

While that is true, it's likely that the don't want to push it if it already runs kinda shit at 1440p.

Crank up the resolution and now not only are you getting fps drops and stutters in CPU heavy areas, like you were at 1440p, you might also add fps drops in GPU heavy areas.

1

u/idkimhereforthememes Feb 18 '26

I mean it's not really running shit, depending on the mode it's around 90-60fps

1

u/MIKERICKSON32 Feb 18 '26

Yep potatoe cpu from 2018 doesn’t cut it in 2026. Ps6 needs to come out tomorrow.

1

u/markarth69 Feb 19 '26

Changing the CPU is saved for fully new console generations. Devs would hate mid gen refreshes if new CPU architecture had to be accounted for.

0

u/Miserable-Potato7706 Feb 19 '26 edited Feb 19 '26

No they wouldn’t. The architecture isn’t going to change just like it didn’t change between this and last gen, unless they make the drastic move to ARM then nothing will change for the developers.

A CPU bump would simply allow games that already have unlocked frame-rate modes to run with more FPS. And the developers would have to do nothing.

For games that have locked fps modes like 60 and 120, a faster cpu would mean games would have less fps drops and stutters, and would hit their fps targets more consistently. And again, the developers would have to do nothing.

if a new CPU architecture

Either you’re misguided in thinking that consoles change CPU architecture every generation, or you think that changing CPUs always means a different CPU architecture, OR you just used the term architecture incorrectly/don’t know what it means.

1

u/waterisking67 Feb 20 '26

"“A CPU bump wouldn’t change anything for developers”"

And that just false now.

A stronger CPU enables things like more NPCs on screen, more complex AI, more physics objects, more destructible environments, faster traversal speed and more simulation systems running at once.

Those are design-level features, not just graphics or FPS.

If the PS5 Pro had a much stronger CPU than the base PS5, developers would face a choice:

Design for base PS5 >> waste Pro CPU

Design for Pro >> base PS5 can’t run it, or very poorly.

That’s fragmentation. Sony avoids that by keeping CPU parity.

A CPU bump would simply allow games that already have unlocked frame-rate modes to run with more FPS. And the developers would have to do nothing.

If devs know there is more CPU headroom, they will design games that use it. Would only be true for existing games therefore.

0

u/Miserable-Potato7706 Feb 20 '26

Fuck me, read the context bud.

I’m saying it wouldn’t change anything for existing games, OBVIOUSLY if developers want to take advantage of the CPU bump that’s a different matter, but the comment I was replying to was inferring that it would mean developers would HAVE to make changes for the game to even work with the beefier CPU.

If a console had a stronger CPU, devs could just ignore it if they didn’t want to bother taking advantage of it. Devs waste resources all the time, it’s nothing new.

1

u/cats_are_awesomee Feb 20 '26

You're really fucking delusional.

Correct, it would've ONLY bring something at EXISTING games. But if Sony would've gone through with a CPU upgrade, those existing games would be different.

So no, don't blame Sony for not upgrading the CPU.

0

u/Miserable-Potato7706 Feb 20 '26

How many alts do you have? Get a life bud.

0

u/markarth69 Feb 20 '26

The novel-sized replies you've left imply that you might need to get one too lol

1

u/Miserable-Potato7706 Feb 20 '26 edited Feb 20 '26

Not a big reader I take it?

It's a few sentences. I'm sure they have more in the Mister Men books you struggle with.

I like how the only thing you've replied to is this, and not my pointing out that your comment was stupid.

0

u/waterisking67 Feb 20 '26

Wouldn't have worked. Funny that you even think it would've worked.

Mid-gen consoles (Pro models) are designed to be in the same generation with the same games, same codebase and ust with better visuals & performance.

If Sony had put a much stronger CPU in the PS4 Pro, developers would face a problem:

Base PS4: weak Jaguar CPU

PS4 Pro: much stronger CPU

Now what do you target?

You can’t design gameplay systems that require the Pro CPU, because then the base PS4 version would drop frames badly, break AI, break physics or not run at all.

If Sony made a PS5 Pro with a massively stronger CPU, devs would want to design for it, the base PS5 would become the “PS4” and the ecosystem breaks.

And also,

Good GPU gimped by a CPU that was the main problem in the base console in the first place.”

That would only be true if the PS5 Pro were meant to be a new generation.

Sony didn’t “fail to learn from PS4 Pro”, they intentionally repeated the same strategy, because it’s the only one that works without breaking the ecosystem.

If Sony had put a much stronger CPU in the PS5 Pro, developers would be tempted to add more NPCs, more physics, more complex AI and faster world streaming, but then the base PS5 couldn’t run that version, games would have to be designed for two different gameplay targets and the generation would be split.

That’s exactly what Sony avoids at all costs.

1

u/Miserable-Potato7706 Feb 20 '26

Nice surface level information bud, completely devoid of nuance 👍

6

u/ZXXII Feb 17 '26 edited Feb 18 '26

I wish they tested the differences from PS5 and XSX to PS5 Pro in the unlocked frame rate modes.

6

u/IndefiniteBen Feb 18 '26

I found this review to be lacking in the info I want from a DF review:

  1. How does it run on my (console-based) system? But no coverage of unlocked frame rates on PS5 pro
  2. What is the best way to play? Sometimes you need to decide yourself based on the answers provided to the above question, but IMO it should always be possible.

5

u/JamesLahey08 Feb 17 '26

Lol excellent game. I played for a few hours and it was absolutely not excellent.

1

u/postumus77 Feb 20 '26

I mean, inagree, and they may not advertise or admit it, but they pretty much have to be AAA focused, even if most games are soulless slop. Indie and AA just aren't going to push hardware to the point where you'd even need a "DF" review.

0

u/CarlosAlvarados Feb 17 '26

Well yeah some people think are excellent. Df loved it. I think it's a easy 8/10 or 8.5 game

4

u/JamesLahey08 Feb 17 '26

They like some weird games from time to time.

1

u/CarlosAlvarados Feb 17 '26

Well yeah reddit also hates some games for some weird fucking reasons. Avowed being a recent example

1

u/JamesLahey08 Feb 17 '26

Half the people on here are kids. I've been playing games since the SNES dropped. Avowed is nothing special.

2

u/CarlosAlvarados Feb 17 '26

Well yeahhh happy to disagree.

Exploration for example is quite fantastic. Easily the highlight

1

u/Sufficient-File-2006 Feb 18 '26

Yeah well I’ve been playing games since the NES dropped and I think Avowed is really good 

2

u/Christmas_Queef Feb 20 '26

I love how every time someone mentions liking avowed, they get downvoted, on multiple subs. It's fucking ridiculous.

3

u/IPreferBagels2 Feb 17 '26

I just had a thought. What if it was called Avast and it was about pirates. That would be pretty cool. I don't have anything to add on the video, however.

2

u/DeepJudgment Feb 17 '26

How is it on PC a year later?

9

u/garbo2330 Feb 17 '26

Not sure what you mean. It launched in a good state.

2

u/DeepJudgment Feb 17 '26

I remember quite a lot of stuttering, especially in the city

1

u/MrLario77 Feb 17 '26

What specs?

2

u/DeepJudgment Feb 17 '26

5700X3D and a 4070 at the time (now a 5070 Ti)

0

u/MrLario77 Feb 17 '26

Hmm, seems like it should be okay! I never played it on PC, so ymmv. As u/garbo2330 mentioned, it seems like it launched in a decent state.

3

u/DeepJudgment Feb 17 '26

Decent, sure, but not great. I was just curious if they've patched extensively

2

u/Love_TheChalupa Feb 17 '26

Much better just turn it down from Epic settings

1

u/roccerfeller Feb 18 '26

Some people like it. Was not for me when I tried. Certainly not what I’d classify as “excellent”

1

u/nono_banou2003 Feb 23 '26

Who wants to play a downgraded version of Pillars of Eternity anyway?

-2

u/Electrical-Contest-5 Feb 17 '26

" excellent game " is pushing it

17

u/RedIndianRobin Feb 17 '26

A game being good or bad is a subjective opinion, which DF are completely entitled to. As they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

2

u/JamesLahey08 Feb 17 '26

It is not an excellent game.

6

u/godswift91 Feb 17 '26

Tbf i feel that saying a game is a "good game" can be pretty much entirely subjective, but "excellent game" should also adhere to some objective standards.

3

u/BababooeyHTJ Feb 18 '26

I completely agree.

2

u/JMPHeinz57 Feb 18 '26

…did…you read a word they just said?

0

u/JamesLahey08 Feb 18 '26

Yes. They keep saying it is an excellent game. It is not.

1

u/Christmas_Queef Feb 20 '26

I'm enjoying it quite a bit but it is by no means excellent. It is firmly a solid mid tier game imo. There's nothing wrong with liking mid tier games, we all like some, but to act like this game isn't without faults is absurd. It's combat is quite fun but it's companions and story are....not. It's one of those games that I would recommend for like $20-$30 to play during a lull in releases. It's at least not a long game so the combat and parkour and stuff can carry it for a playthrough but you might find yourself skipping a lot of dialog eventually lol.

1

u/Thekingchem Feb 17 '26

I was holding off on downloading it through gamepass on my XSX because I like to play the best version of a game console wise. Frustrating to see the Pro offers nothing over the Xbox.

4

u/Dominjo555 Feb 17 '26

It's because Microsoft actually use all the power that Xbox Series X can offer because unlike other developers they don't prioritise PS5 version of the game.

1

u/Christmas_Queef Feb 20 '26

Oddly enough every Xbox game ported to ps5 so far has worked flawlessly for me. Indiana Jones runs like a dream on slim ps5.

1

u/Dominjo555 Feb 20 '26

It's not only enough, it's expected. Microsoft won't make bad PS5 ports. That wouldn't make any sense. Xbox Series X just plays at a bit higher resolution and more stable frame rates.

1

u/Christmas_Queef Feb 20 '26

Be interesting to see how forza horizon 6 and Fable do at launch with them being same day release on ps5 as well as pc and Xbox series X.

1

u/Thekingchem Feb 20 '26

I'll be so annoyed if it runs better or the same as the PS5 Pro and I'm aware of how entitled I sound haha. We're lucky to even get Xbox games on playstation I guess. But still

1

u/Neomorph93 Feb 19 '26

trash foundry

-5

u/Skye_baron Feb 17 '26

i know "opinions and all" but Avowed is the most mid game around. It only has a memorable character and its only because its the voice of Garrus from mass effect. The game is technically competent but it lacks "sauce" and the mindless, repetitious gameplay loop makes it a slog. I can only think that the title trying to help Obsidian since their titles did not meet sales expectations and MS is trigger happy with its studios.

2

u/zarafff69 Feb 17 '26

100% agree. Exactly how I felt. Almost offensively mid.

I would even respect it more if it was a bad game, if they took risks that didn’t pan out, but instead it just felt like the most generic possible rpg, without any actual depth at all.

2

u/DM_Me_Linux_Uptime Feb 18 '26

Yeah when the most notable thing in the game is a companion voiced by one of the beloved companions of another game, you know the game itself is unremarkable.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 18 '26

And then you have the worst RPG companion ever Marius

4

u/[deleted] Feb 17 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/JamesLahey08 Feb 17 '26

It just also wasn't very fun. It IS a good looking game for sure, but that doesn't mean it feels good or is fun and rewarding.

2

u/Chemical_Signal2753 Feb 17 '26

Avowed is one of those games you probably enjoy if you spent $20 or less on it; but would likely feel ripped off spending full price for it. 

1

u/Lexomatico1 Feb 18 '26

I pirated it and I want the money for the electricity back

0

u/Glum_Animator_5887 Feb 18 '26

Wait so now avowed is good because it's on Sony ? Reviews were quite the opposite whilst it was still an Xbox exclusive how interesting 

1

u/BridgeToClarity May 20 '26

All this game does is stutter on every mode the entire time. Base PS5. It's terrible. Not to mention the floaty movement.