News

Report: Dead Space 3 'straight port' with no special PC features
Posted: 23.01.2013 14:04 by Simon Priest Comments: 56
Speaking with developer Visceral Games at a Dead Space 3 event, games.on.net reports that the PC version of the horror action title doesn't carry much of a blowtorch for desktop gaming.

There is no DirectX 11 support which means there's certainly no higher resolution textures, or other enhancements to be enjoyed over Xbox 360 or PS3. Some graphics settings will be available.

In space no one can hear you scream there's little anti-aliasing. Unfortunately Dead Space 3 is giving the cold, necromorphed shoulder to creature comforts for PC.

"Speaking with Visceral Games at a recent Dead Space 3 event, games.on.net learned that the PC version of Dead Space 3 will be a straight port of the console versions," reports games.on.net.

"The PC version is understood to have some graphics options, but no support for DirectX 11, no additional high-resolution textures, and no further graphical enhancements above and beyond those seen on the PS3 or Xbox 360."

Interestingly EA has also introduced a microtransaction system for Dead Space 3, where players can opt to spend real money for in-game resources to upgrade weapons through the Weapons Bench. A light one-handed frame and a heavier two-handed frame let players put together their own implements of destruction - a bit like in Dead Rising I guess.

The digital PC version of Dead Space 3 will only be available through EA's Origin service, skipping Steam.

Dead Space 3 releases on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC February 5th in the US, 8th in EU.

Source: Games.on.net

Comments

By djole381 (SI Elite) on Jan 23, 2013
djole381
They are really determined to ruin yet another good title. Screw you EA!!!
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 23, 2013
SirRoderick
Dead space was never really good on PC, but it's still bollocks.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 23, 2013
herodotus
This is space in now officially dead space. It was playable on PC with a 3rd party application for key-bindings, but the fact that no effort at all is being put into this port is the death sentence for this one for me. Happy consolling consollers.
By LukeDion1987 (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 23, 2013
LukeDion1987
So simple - no buy from me, but - I don't care, I hate that series anyway...
By danfreeman (SI Core) on Jan 23, 2013
danfreeman
Well i wasn`t gonna buy it anyway(due to bullcrap policies) but if EA keeps this up the whole PC market will stop buying their titles.
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Jan 24, 2013
FoolWolf
Dead Space has always been Dead In Space for me. I have never really understood the joy or fun thing with the game. The controls have been abyssmal for PC, you are thrown into a setting where you can change stuff and build weapons but you don't really get any feedback why or what is good or better.
The game was also a tad repetitive and became uninstalled before long.

To add this to the list of my concerns makes this just a laughing sidenote...

I really do feel for those that enjoyed these games on PC though. Tough lover for the PC crowd - I hope you show some tough decisions back at them...
By HenoKutus (SI Core) on Jan 24, 2013
HenoKutus
Its a great game series and its not Direct X11,that means if you have an powerfull Nvidia Graphics card you can play this game with 3D support.
Excellent EA!
By lichlord (SI Core) on Jan 24, 2013
lichlord
no Heno its bad EA because now and again they are forcing me to get a damnating Xbox controller for pc or suffer loads of pain on my fingers due to the fact i can't change keys while having an azerty keyboad also this means graphical setting will likely be unchangeble meaning less high end pcs will be unable to run this in lower settings and im done with the bs trying to configure the game files myself to set it right either...

not that i care actually i didn't play nor buy a game from EA for years now and seemingly it will be for years to come

they complain about pc gamers are pirating and having less sales id say the partial cause of it is the fact that they do NOT adress the gamers needs suffeciently so they can go f*ck themselves
By HenoKutus (SI Core) on Jan 25, 2013
HenoKutus
i play almost anything with the xbox 360 controller on pc because most games support it and if they don't i use Pinnacle gameprofiler to integrate the keyboard or mouse controls to my xbox 360 controller,except for the few exceptions like Baldurs Gate or point and click games,give me a contoller anytime over a keyboard or mouse.And about the graphics it would surprise me if you can't lower your settings because it would sell less and i don't think EA would risk that!
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 25, 2013
SirRoderick
EA, and most other publishers for that matter, have demonstrated repeatedly in the past that they would.

And how the hell do you prefer a controller for say, a shooter game? It's so much less precise o_o
By HenoKutus (SI Core) on Jan 25, 2013
HenoKutus
For me its more precise and faster,and more fair as well,with a controller everybody is equal,you can only change your camera speed,with a specialized keyboard and Razor mouse you are always a bit faster than the other only on Pc,for consoles its equal,thats why i love em!
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 25, 2013
SirRoderick
One mouse is just as fast as any other, it's just nice to be able to personalse it. The reason you like a controller is because you can't make any agjustments to it? That's silly to me :/

Also I think you may be pretty bad with a mouse if you can't use it well in a shooter :P
By lichlord (SI Core) on Jan 25, 2013
lichlord
"And about the graphics it would surprise me if you can't lower your settings because it would sell less and i don't think EA would risk that!"

darksiders 2 for example was a straight port to pc only thing i ever could change was the resolution and some keys...

so go figure why do you think ur the only one actually being positive about it? :s
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 25, 2013
herodotus
@Heno
One of the mnay reasons PC gamers hate consoles. You CAN'T refine your controller to your own personal needs and speed, which does not give you a positive handicap at all over other players. Just makes it easier for you to play.
Moue+KB going up against a controller is a FPS, the M+KB always, always wins as it's far more precise. We need more PC control dedicated setups, not less.
By The_Tingler (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 25, 2013
The_Tingler
I'm a Dead Space PC-player, hello everybody. I do play it with 360 controller just for convenience, but everything else in this news f***ing sucks. Especially as EA continues to snub Steam for no goddamn reason that makes sense.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 25, 2013
herodotus
Sounds like it's going the way of "Aliens: Colonial Marines" that while built around DX11, will have no DX11 features (it's being released on Windows XP for Heaven's sake). Why?

"...producer Brian Burleson explained that the game’s built around DirectX 11, which should provide some snappy performance. However, it’s not going to use any DirectX 11 only effects; out of respect for its console cousins."

"out of respect for...console cousins"????
Consoles aren't the cousins of the PC, they're it's children and bastard off-spring they are at that. Sick to death of console ports.

So glad I cancelled my pre-order for "A:CM" this morning.
By Hammerjinx (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 25, 2013
Hammerjinx
"out of respect" is a bad job of spinning "we're lazy, and cheap".
A cheap and lazy spin.

It'd be nice if they built it with the fact they will want a PC port in mind. Starting with low res textures then trying to make it high rez for PC would be a nightmare. Starting with high rez textures, then squidging them down for consoles would be almost no problem at all.

Mainly, the only things that bothers me with ports are;
Shithouse control options
Getting instructions from the game like "Press Square for finishing move"

Space Marine was odd. The melee was better with the controller, but trying to shoot things was terrible. It wasn't practical to switch as needed, so I ended up just going kb and mouse. Fun game, but I can't help but feel just a bit more work would have made the PC port so much better.

Deadspace; I don't really care. I'm not overly fussed about DX11 support, so long as it isn't ugly as hell (in space). If I were to play it, I just want the controls to work well.
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
nocutius
They could at least go: Hey, here's a crappy port, you can have it for cheap cause it's ass lazy and sucks.

I don't need DX11, special textures and whatnot but for an action game the controls absolutely need to be top notch.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
Chosen_One
Hey Heno :) Lets play BF3 together, You with Controller and I am with mouse and keyboard ^^ As for news, well, I just say f*ck you EA :)
By HenoKutus (SI Core) on Jan 26, 2013
HenoKutus
Say what you will about consoles but the fact is that the major games releases first on console and mostly later on Pc,i have played many shooters on pc with mouse and keyboard and had no problems but for the latest games to run smoothly you must have at least a quad core to set it in display 1280x720p,for 1980x1080p you have to have a more powerfull high end pc to run smooth without lagging,if you have a PS3 there is no lagging and you have excellent control,its a skill you master on many consoles over the years also on Pc,an usb Xbox 360 controller is the way to go and you can program almost any game with Pinnacle Game profiler as you see fit just as Dead Space 1 or 2,also for Pc is Gamebooster a great program to speed up your Pc when you play a high res game.Basicly if you are a true gamer you can control them all perfectly,the consoles as well as the Pc,each has their own advantages and i like them both!
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
nocutius
You can always drop the settings to medium on the PC and have the same picture quality as on the consoles :).

PC gaming really isn't all that demanding anymore, a lot of thanks for that actually goes to the consoles. I can't wait for the next-gen consoles so we can finally remove this "age old bottleneck" :)
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 26, 2013
herodotus
Heno, the games are built on PC, developed for console then released. They then port the console version to PC, or if we're lucky a port with extra features for PC is co-developed. But, it all starts on the PC.
Console games are cheap, nasty and with the twin goals of mass production and mass consumption. They are great cash earners for an industry that would otherwise be struggling.....
.....unless, with no consoles, everyone had a PC (like it used to be).
What a wonderful state gaming would be in with no consoles. *sigh*
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
Chosen_One
Casual gamers destroying our beautiful world :)
By Hammerjinx (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 26, 2013
Hammerjinx
The problem with eliminating consoles is that buying a PC is a cost barrier to many people, and a lot of people see it as way too complicated compared to the console's plug and play approach.

Some games just don't work on consoles though. FPS games are v popular now, but as I own a PC, I'd never play them on a console. Attempts to put RTS games on consoles have been abysmal. As far as I know attempts to put large scale strategy titles on consoles have all failed.

There's certainly some games that work better on consoles, but that's primarily due to the controller matching the gameplay. Add a gamepad to the PC and you're fine again, except for a few bad ports that don't even adequately support console controllers on the PC.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 26, 2013
herodotus
Certainly "plug'n'play" consoles are very cost efficient and easy to use, but before they really took hold (i.e. before the Playstation took off), PC's were actually quite inexpensive to buy or build.
That's why I say that without the prevalence of the console market, I'd love to see where PC and PC gaming would be today. Who knows, more gamers might actually know how to build a cost-efficient PC themselves and be more educated where it comes to the makeup of a gaming unit in general.
That's a world I'd like to visit. Cases, units and all parts, I believe, would be very competitively priced and just as inexpensive as they were in the late '80's to mid '90's.

Still I come from the the very beginnings of computing and videogaming, witnessing and even taking part in virtually all the historic milestones that litter the road to where we are now. It's not a boast, more a stated privilege to have seen first-hand what today are termed "classic moments", not then seeing them for what they were and would be.
If I were a young gamer of today I would probably think very differently however.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
SirRoderick
As for the cost of a PC...well have a look at the Alienware catalog, which is a very popular gaming PC brand, then compare the listed prices with what it would cost you to buy all the individual parts seperately.

They aren't expensive, the brands seem to be though. And let's not even get into how superfluous a triple GPU system with water cooling and 32 GB of RAM is. That's like buying a Rolls Royce because you need something to go to the shops in.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 26, 2013
herodotus
Argh, Alienware. Wouldn't touch them with a bargepole. Sure it might suit the uninformed gamer who just wants a quick pre-built rig, but they are expensive for what they offer and are bitches to upgrade.
Yes it's a popular brand, but simply because there really is no competition. Best idea is to pick up a PC magazine that lists low, medium and high-end rig constructs, make the list up of what you want, and present it to a PC store asking for those components to be placed in whatever casing you desire (Antec is a good one). That's for those who don't know much about PC's, but it works out well and is cost effective.

You're right Roderick (not about Alienware:p), but it IS inexpensive. Those who DO know how to build a rig, and let's face it guys it's not rocket science, then wholesale warehouses where you order online then pick up the component is the way to go. You can have a beast of a unit running for under US $900 with all peripherals. Maintenance you carry out yourself, and it's all simple stuff.

Honestly, if a gamer were to pick up a simple "How To Build Your Own PC" magazine for about $10, spend a few hours reading it then open a PC case up they'd be surprised at just how simple these machines really are.
As for wondering how sensitive the equipment is - you'd need a bloody great mallet with a hefty swing to damage most components.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
SirRoderick
THat's what I meant, I wasn't saying AW is cheap, dear me I must have been too vague ^_^

As for the "How to build your own PC" How about a 5 minute google to get all the info you need for free? Hell most of it is making sure all the components are compatible and will fit your case and power supply. After that a toddler with a lego set could put it together.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 26, 2013
herodotus
Hehe. I prefer to have a magazine to work off while I'm a'buildin', but that's just me, being an old Airfix and Revell builder.

I don't think it's you who are vague mate, I think it's me and only having an hour's sleep because of the bloody hooligans next door having a very loud Australia Day party next all night long (that I wasn't invited to, scumbags). Hope they have very heavy heads today.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
SirRoderick
I'll drink to that! Cheers ;)
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 26, 2013
Chosen_One
U do not need any magazine or such, as guides with all hardware stuff are helpful :) The thing is, that this is not the time, when hardware could be incompatible witch each other, it is time of mostly universal stuff.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 27, 2013
herodotus
That would be rare, and you'd have to go out of your way to find incompatible components. As I say, if you just had a basic understanding it's simple as A, P, C:)
By Hammerjinx (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 27, 2013
Hammerjinx
I can put together a PC, but last couple I've bought I've been like "$150 fee for assembly, software install, and testing, plus warranty; Sure."

There can be a certain degree of pride in picking up a stack of cardboard boxes and turning it into the most powerful PC you've ever owned, but I found that after doing this a few times I'd rather just let someone else do it and spend my free time with games, friends, and family.

Ah, talk about key moments of gaming! I think there were definitely a few times when I knew something was special and lasting. Doom springs to mind. Pretty chunky by today's standards, but on release everything about it was so advanced. I knew it was going to be big, and I thought "If they've gone from Wolfenstien to this... what is next??"
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 28, 2013
Chosen_One
But why U don't prefer to spare some money on buying some good presents for those who are close? :) Building a PC is not that time costly. Amature can build it in 5-6 hours.
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2013
FoolWolf
Buying a kick ass PC that will get you high settings and run ANYTHING out there as well as getting a kick ass machines for anything else you may want from editing videos, photos, sound, etc - won't set you back that much anymore. Kick in a SSD drive for OS and you will have a machine that boot up quicker than the consoles as well...
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2013
SirRoderick
SSDs are still very pricey though. But it makes sense to get a smaller one as your OS drive. Bulk storage can happen on a 1-2 TB SATA and the big important stuff can use the SSD. But yeah, it WILL up the price by a significant margin.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 30, 2013
herodotus
Only increased mine by $100, but buggered if I can work out how to access it in the Antec casing. Might need tweezers.
By the way Roderick, and on a totally unrelated topic to any of this but might interest you:
http://matrixgames.com/products/460/screenshots/Birth.of.Rome?utm_source=Matrix+Newsletter+-+January+2013&utm_campaign=Matrix+Jan+News+&utm_medium=email

Aegod games are pretty hardcore, believe me, but this might entice until "R2TW".
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Feb 04, 2013
FoolWolf
SSD's are only necessary for the OS as you mention SirRoderick and if you just buy a 64 mb one you will get away cheap and have boot up and an OS running great!

I have a special little plate Hero that holds mine in my case. Looks a bit silly at first but works great. Though, I don't have an Antec chassi any longer...
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 04, 2013
SirRoderick
You meant 64 GB surely ^_^
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 04, 2013
herodotus
Grammar Nazi....
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 04, 2013
SirRoderick
That is really not a trifling matter is it? :P
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 04, 2013
herodotus
:)
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Feb 04, 2013
nocutius
Most grammar Nazis think that :)
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 06, 2013
SirRoderick
Turns out this is mostly bollocks actually. It has quite a bit in the way of PC options and isn't just a straight port. Not fantastic maybe, but definitely not a straight port.

Check out the first 5 minutes of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atpxaM5F0Ps
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 06, 2013
herodotus
A mate down the street has it, and you can remap the key-bindings (finally) and it does look quite good. So really there was no need to optimise for the PC, as there is SSAO and Blur which are not generally included in Custom Settings. No AA or Filter settings is about the only thing missing.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 07, 2013
SirRoderick
There are actually several types of AA to choose from, including the console version.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 07, 2013
herodotus
Hmmm. Have to go have another look as I didn't see any AA in Graphics Options.
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Feb 08, 2013
FoolWolf
For you Sir, only 64 mb! ;)

But yeah - you are right... GB....

I don't mind the graphics that much in the ports - as long as you can control the view angle for widescreen and also map the keys and adjust the fade distances.

More problematic is the inherent design that differs between the couch approcach vs the desktop approach. The behind the body that is big and no overview that usually is the approach for Xbox games, weird limited choices due to only 8 mappable buttons etc is more appalling IMO.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 08, 2013
SirRoderick
FoV can be scaled through use of a config file.

Love the PC :)
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Feb 08, 2013
FoolWolf
LOL, yeah but as soon as someone say "optimized for PC" or with PC compability and config files are the way to do it - I always feel like they are justifying the Pirates.
Man, you want to earn money?
You want to make sure people pay?
You want to strike it out big?
Damn better make sure you are offering a product that feels and behaves like it is worth the prize! Elementary FOXTROTTING marketing!
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 08, 2013
SirRoderick
You should watch that video I linked, it's is properly set up for PC with all the required trimmings.
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Feb 08, 2013
FoolWolf
OK - so this actually had the settings - BAD WOLF! - that you could be happy with - depending of course (didn't see the FOV setting how far they went...)
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 08, 2013
herodotus
Uh oh, getting a creeping suspicion old Roddy is a bit of a closet fanboy here. True colours are starting to show....
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 09, 2013
SirRoderick
Whaaaaaaaa? Don't be silly matey. It's just a good PC port is all, they got the technicals up to spec.

I don't even like the games themselves so much ^_^
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Feb 10, 2013
FoolWolf
Well, of that there is no doubt Hero! I guess the young side of him is just too strong in him.Ports, controllers, couch-surfing - leads to online chats, leads to hate, leads to anger and leads to the dark side!
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Feb 10, 2013
Chosen_One
Ahahah. Nice one Wolf ^^