Hard Reset Redux has just been released on current-gen consoles and PC, and a lot of PC gamers accused Flying Wild Hog of downgrading the game’s visuals. Flying Wild Hog responded to those accusations, claiming that that loads of things have changed in-engine, which is why there are minor differences between the Original and the Redux versions of Hard Reset.
But let’s take things from the beginning. The first complaint regarding Hard Reset Redux comes from the different implementations of ambient occlusion. Some gamers spotted differences between them, and Flying Wild Hog explained what is currently going on with AO in Hard Reset Redux.
“We replaced baked ambient occlusion with dynamic one (SSAO). So it’s different now and was_not_removed.”
“Lol – the game runs on the second iteration of our RoadHog in which we don’t use pre-baked AO,
Instead we have SSAO. Also it’s optimized differently so this is why you have almost 2x more frames. Loads of things have changed in-engine since Hard Reset’s release in 2011.”
Some gamers also complained about the quality of textures, based on a comparison video by Candyland. However, the problem here is that Candyland used FXAA in Hard Reset Redux. As we all know, FXAA blurs the whole image, something that could explain the additional blurriness found in the Redux version. As always, we strongly suggest avoiding that AA option, especially if you want crisp visuals.
Moreover, Flying Wild Hog claimed that it has removed the sharpening filter that was present in the Original version of Hard Reset.
“Textures and Post Process: As with the Occlusion system, we have changed the post-processing filters we used in the original Hard Reset. Redux does not use the same Image Sharpen Post Process which was used in the original H.R. This change was made to decrease aliasing, which cause flickering during camera motion. Because of this the game can at times look worse during static screens, but it looks better in motion. Hard Reset Redux is a game where players will constantly be moving and shooting; so this change was made to improve the overall visual experience that the game delivers during gameplay.”
Last but not least, gamers complained about some missing lighting effects in this particular scene. Flying Wild Hog claimed that it is currently investigating this issue, however it appears that this bug occurs only during the game’s “Survival” mode.
Reddit’s member ‘Fructdw’ shared two images from Hard Reset Redux, one from the Campaign (left) and one from the Survival mode (right). As we can see, the Campaign screenshot packs the same lighting effects that can be found in the Original version of Hard Reset.
John is the founder and Editor in Chief at DSOGaming. He is a PC gaming fan and highly supports the modding and indie communities. Before creating DSOGaming, John worked on numerous gaming websites. While he is a die-hard PC gamer, his gaming roots can be found on consoles. John loved – and still does – the 16-bit consoles, and considers SNES to be one of the best consoles. Still, the PC platform won him over consoles. That was mainly due to 3DFX and its iconic dedicated 3D accelerator graphics card, Voodoo 2. John has also written a higher degree thesis on the “The Evolution of PC graphics cards.”
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wow the downgrade is so obvious
I was shocked that I could run it on Ultra with my 750Ti, but then I thought it was because it’s an old game. Also, I don’t think it looks as good as I remember the original, but I don’t have time to re-download and test both.
I don’t really care, anyways.
at least it’s fun though it’s somewhat short
I enjoyed the original a lot, but then it came the new Doom and I think it’s a game changer in the “old school FPS” genre, so I not having that much fun with Redux.
Can’t wait for Samurai Warrior 2, though.
i agree, but hey, gotta give them credit for trying! at least they didn’t go C.O.D…. never go full CoD
It was just ok, let’s not lie to ourselves.
“it’s optimized differently so this is why you have almost 2x more frames”
And the comparison video shows MORE than doubled framerates… wow. So this is good, more frames are always good, and they didn’t have to do it (original version + today’s hardware = no problems) but did it any way. Nice.
“second iteration of our RoadHog in which we don’t use pre-baked AO, Instead we have SSAO.”
Prebaked AO looks better than most types of SSAO, especially in motion, which would harshly contradict their claimed goal of making the game look better in motion. The FXAA thing is also a pity of course but okay as long as you can deactivate it.
This game must be called Hard Reset OLDux not Redux.
Awful downgrade.
Last light was the same, Redux downgraded, even missing effects from the very High preset like POM and volumetric lighting. Basically, Redux =Console version downgraded from very high setting of the PC original.
I agree. Metro last light looks way better than the redux version. Especially the lighting.
cry me a river.this should be expected.people are idiots for still crying about downgrades…lol
Wish you would make some sense for once.
learn to read.
Stop replying to me you c*nt.
🙂
go play some mario peasant
mario its actually a good game !
the first one
and i am playing it on PC via emulator on 60 FPS
meehhhh
You are an comprete idiorot.
at least i can spell.
lets not complain because it was expected? k
you should always expect down grades on pc always.
that doesnt meant staying quiet about it though..
Redux hahaha more like Hard Reser: Reduced
Even the protagonist’s Parkinson’s got worse. What’s with the weapon wobbling like that in the new version?
LOL
Hard Reset: Reduxion. It took them five years to downgrade the game. Downgrades are demanding and time-consuming you know…
why is this a surprise still and why are people still getting mad at this? im going to blame the people on this one still getting up set over a down graded trailer is on you.
So, just because they do this all the time, people should take it and don’t say a word ?
do you actually think they care about people crying downgrade?thats only pc gamers.they got the game on console where they will make more money on there .
kk
and wwwhhhaattt up kkkiiiidddd!!!!
It’s how he manages getting raped in his daily life.
garbage
another bad console port, go figure.
Thats why its called “Redux” which means Reduced content. LOL