Pragmata PS5 Pro performance review says enhanced game makes console essential

With Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom already took advantage of the most powerful PlayStation console. Its Pragmata PS5 Pro release looks just as impressive, boasting superior image clarity and steady frame rates. A Digital Foundry performance review highlights how the enhanced game shines on the system.

Limitations of the less capable PS5

On the base PS5, performance and resolution modes render graphics at a native 1080p. Unfortunately, using rudimentary FSR, the final upscaled image suffers from visual artifacts. Some ghosting also becomes obvious when the camera pans across scenes.

The developers aim for 60fps in both options, making the choice between the two seem obvious. Still, with the resolution setting, frame rates often struggle to maintain that target. As seen with the site’s Pragmata Switch 2 review, gameplay becomes choppy when leaving the confines of the research station. Cut scenes are especially problematic, with readings dropping into the 30s.

Performance mode minimizes stutters but sacrifices ray-traced reflections and global illumination. That’s significant in the Capcom game, since the many metallic surfaces appear flat without the added lighting effects.

The Pragmata PS5 Pro version enables gamers to explore, hack, and battle with fewer compromises. PSSR upscaling, recently upgraded by Sony, is largely responsible for the sharp and fluid graphics.

The pricey PlayStation console starts at a lower native 864p resolution before upscaling to 4K. That becomes apparent with ray tracing, where reflections are slightly more cloudy. Even with minor drawbacks, Digital Foundry discovered that many of the PS5's flaws disappeared. There are fewer artifacts to detract from the otherwise clean visuals.

Limited settings for this PS5 Pro game

Unlike Crimson Desert, another enhanced game, the Pragmata PS5 Pro version offers only one preset. Without frame rates dipping below 60fps, the advanced lighting effects of the base PS5’s resolution mode thrive. Diana’s strand-based hair looks even more well-defined on the console.

Gamers can opt for a 120Hz refresh rate, which reduces the PSSR-upscaled image to 1440p. Fps readings also fall from 80-100 fps into the 60s and 70s, so players may prefer to toggle it off.

Before the price increase, the revamped PSSR made the PS5 Pro an appealing alternative to gaming PCs. Nevertheless, if it’s within budget, the performance of Pragmata may be another reason to upgrade.

Notebookcheck has also posted its PC-based impressions of Pragmata on YouTube.