The PS4 Pro is going to upgrade plenty of already released games at launch. Some of the games we’ve already played and loved will be getting makeovers in 4K and other visual improvements. Worlds we’ve visited will be worth a return trip just to check out what’s new and improved. Unfortunately, not every PS4 game made the cut. Quite a few great games aren’t getting the new coat of paint they deserve, for one reason or another. It stings even more when some of the games that won’t be updated are exclusives to the console, and are practically begging to be touched up. Here’s a list of games that would achieve new levels of beauty on the PS4 Pro, and could use a boost both visually and performance-wise.
LittleBigPlanet 3
LittleBigPlanet 3 is a gorgeous game, with visuals that I can only imagine looking spectacular in 4K. Not only that, but the game runs surprisingly sluggish at times on the PS4’s current hardware. With a visual and performance upgrade, we could see an even better reason to return to the ever-present LittleBigPlanet community to see what new worlds we’ve created for ourselves. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like LBP3 will be joining the other PlayStation exclusives for a proper polish.
Dark Souls III
Surprisingly enough, the brilliant RPG Dark Souls III does not appear to be getting an upgrade. While PC players have enjoyed playing the games at 60 FPS, console players have to settle for a more stuttering performance. In a game world this visually stunning, it’s surprising to hear that it won’t be taking advantage of the new power the PS4 Pro brings to the table. While the game is acceptable in its current state, any enhancements would be welcome, as they could certainly benefit the players.
Bloodborne
This omission from the PS4 Pro upgrade list is even more shocking than Dark Souls III’s absence, especially considering it is currently a PS4 exclusive. This is one of the most graphically rich games of this generation. If the PlayStation 4 is the only place we can play Bloodborne, then it’s a prime candidate for the 4K treatment. I mean, just look at it. An upgrade would enhance the already ridiculously detailed environments, improve the gameplay, and give players another reason to grab a Pro and dive back into this world.
The Witcher 3
Developer CD Projekt Red has already stated that the Witcher 3 will not be receiving an upgrade, stating that they want to focus on future projects and they need to keep all their resources in check. We understand, we really do. But I think we can all agree this game, one of the best games of 2015, deserves to shine a little more brightly on the PS4 Pro. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, much to the chagrin of RPG fans everywhere. Games of this caliber perform beautifully on PC. When we’ve seen how great this game can look, it’s hard not to want more.
Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 is a stunning, explosive game. But it doesn’t run terribly well on consoles. I was praying this game would be on the list of upgrades, but it doesn’t look like it will be receiving any sort of update at launch, and it’s unclear if it will ever have a chance to look the way it should. An open world playground like this is great for a console gamer just looking to chill on the couch after work and Wingsuit across a beautiful countryside. In its current condition on PS4, the frustrating frame-rate, pop-in, and loading times spoil an otherwise exciting experience.
Abzu
Abzu is a visual masterpiece, and contains some of the most breathtaking moments I’ve had this year. It’s hard to imagine this game looking much better, but a frame-rate boost from the PS4 Pro, along with 4K visuals, could solidify this game as the most beautiful game ever created. Already practically flawless, a more stable frame-rate could make swimming with the enormous number of creatures on screen even more immersive. When a game looks this good, it’s painful to admit it has a few dips in performance.
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
Games like Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture rely almost entirely on the visuals the game provides – which means that a PS4 Pro upgrade should practically be a no-brainer. There’s nothing wrong with the way Everybody’s Gone looks right now, but it could only look better with a huge boost in resolution and even smoother performance. While not everyone enjoys a “walking-simulator” like this, it cannot be denied that this game is just gorgeous. The colors, particle effects, and environments would hugely benefit from an update. It’s sad to see this is not on the PS4 Pro launch lineup.
Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is not a very technically demanding game, but boy is it gorgeous. Considering we’re sorely lacking on stellar 2D platformers this gen, it would be great to see a game like Rayman in 4K on a big screen. It is also one of the few games on the console that uses entirely 2D art, and players would love to see how that style translates into 4K.
SOMA
SOMA is a visual feast, despite its horrifying setting. The PS4 Pro isn’t bringing a lot of horror games over for an upgrade, aside from Until Dawn, and it’s a shame that this game won’t be receiving a patch at launch. It’s one of the best looking horror games on the console, and there’s still quite a bit of halloween spirit left over after October.
Rocket League
Rocket League is a blast of colors and has plenty to bring to the table graphically. While Psyonix is still considering patching the game, it’s a big disappointment that we won’t be seeing an update at the PS4 Pro’s launch. This title is insanely popular and the couch multiplayer could really take advantage of a 4K screen, allowing more clarity for each player’s split of the screen.
This post was originally written by Alec Cudmore.
Updated: Jan 7, 2017 01:47 pm