Performance analysis: Tomb Raider Definitive Edition

DF: "The unscheduled, early release this weekend of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 allowed us to get something of a head start on our upcoming Face-Off coverage. Factoring in the controversy surrounding the frame-rate differential between the two versions, we prioritised performance analysis in order to get our impressions to you as quickly as possible - and the results are going to make for uncomfortable reading at Microsoft."

[mos6142]

Summary:

ps4 less consistent, average at 53 fps- sometimes dips to 32
xbox one more consistent, average at 30 fps- lowest dip to 24.

xbox one version is locked at 30, ps4 version is unlocked.

digital foundry says they have a source that says dirext x 11 driver for xbox still needs alot of work.

As they pointed out though, that difference is largely based on the decision to cap the Xbox version at 30 instead of allowing it to go higher and create more noticeable judder.

[nategrigs]

xbone version is not locked at 30 (otherwise it couldn't drop below 30). It is capped at 30

[mewhy32]

Wow the PS4 version is really trumping the bone's release. The difference in power is becoming more and more evident as time goes on.

[UltimateMaster]

The definitive rip-off edition, especially on Xbox One.
A year old game somewhat enhanced can't go beyond 30 frames on Xbox One. What a joke.

[mkis007]

This is a heavily spun summary for anyone that really wants a summary.

[starchild]

There is no such thing as locking a framerate at a certain number of FPS. The only thing you can do is cap the framerate so that you don't get judder from an UNEVEN framerate.

In this case, the PS4's is uneven and juddery as hell. I saw it in the videos and this confirms it.

Both systems have stutter and that sucks, but the PS4 is worse since its framerate fluctuates more. I'm glad I have the PC version at a solid 60fps.

[thekhurg]

@trollchild

You saw nothing because the video is capped at 30fps and the PS4 version never dropped below 30fps. Nice try though.

[Ultra]

Meanwhile, MISTERX and the clones are playing drama with 'the insiders' and fairy telling that the xbone could get 60FPS on 'stereo driver' some day. The blog is filled with made up stories from 'the insiders' to keep visitors living in a dream.

[Xsilver]

That's that above 30 Gravy

[Palitera]

53 x 30...

Definitive version?

http://i.imgur.com/DnqrVYO....

[loopygames]

They had to try to cap it or it will look even worse.

"For Xbox One, we can only speculate, but we suspect that a lower overall performance resulted in even more noticeable judder were the game to remain unlocked - which would look really unattractive compared to the capped 30fps frame-rate we see in the final game."
- Digital Foundry

[Riderz1337]

Xbox One version is locked at 30 FPS and yet it dips to 24? Do you know what "Locked at 30" means?

A last gen port of a game on the Xbox One drops to 24 FPS...What a joke. 500$ well spent.

[xfear2diex]

locked 30fps means can,t go beyond 30fps
really there no game without dipping
the ps4 ver appear to be unstable in action where the fps drop steadily on 50fps where the game should stand still 60fps to be 100% superior and the lowest drop is for a moment or two it's not like the game will run at 24fps all the time or drop every two moments the game is indeed locked at 30fps with few dips with heavy action get your facts straight next time

[mkis007]

uh xfear2diex...locked means it is locked at that frame rate and doesn't drop or raise...capped is the word you are thinking of. Doesn't go higher than. and no during action sequesnces the ps4 is holding 60 fps while the xbox 1 is holding 30. MAybe watch the analysis.

[starchild]

The difference is, the XB1 version stays at 30fps 90% of the time, while the PS4 version is under 60fps most of the time.

The XB1 has a much more STABLE framerate. I would take a stable 30fps over a juddery fluctuating framerate any day.

Either way, though, it makes me glad that I get a nice SOLID 60fps on my PC.

[pyramidshead]

What should be more worrying is that this is basically a port of a last gen game. Realising this doesn't paint a particularly good picture for the XB1.

[NoLongerHereCBA]

Which just means that the engine isn't optimized for a console that has a more difficult/different architecture.

PS4 is closer to that of a PC (more straight forward approach) which can make a drastic difference. I'm not saying that the Xbox One version could be better than the PS4. But it can make a difference which could narrow the gap.

[dantesparda]

You people just have excuses for everything. Or it could just be that the X1 is not as good as you fanboys think it is. You ever think of that?

[scott182]

Holy crap, the thing dips to 18fps on the second video, that's horrible.

[NoLongerHereCBA]

@dantesparda did you even read what I said? I just said it myself that I don't think it would get the same amount of FPS, but that it can make a difference.

I'm sure you believed all the things about the COD engine having a very high FPS on the PS4 and a very low FPS on the Xbox One without any optimization right? That's what I just said. PS4 is more straight forward, like a PC which will instantly give you a higher FPS. For the Xbox One you either need to do a lot of work to get it up to scale or really mold your engine to get the best out of the Xbox 1.

It's not an excuse, it is what it is.

[ABizzel1]

Last gen game or not, Tomb Raider isn't the easiest game to max out even on PC without High end cards, and these console versions are basically on the same level as the PC version on Ultra settings.

http://www.guru3d.com/artic...

Again these are launch title / launch windows games, and the consoles will gain better performance once drivers, and engines are better optimized.

But as predicted the XBO is hovering around the HD 7770 performance wise, which is really sad, because it should be comfortably between the 6850 - 7790.

Meanwhile the PS4 is around the 480 / 660 which is just a bit below the 7870 where it should be, and eventually exceed.

It's a sad case for the XBO, because until they get their bandwidth up, 32MB of eSRAM won't cut it, they needed their 8GB of DDR3 to be 100+ GB/s, and now they need to remove all the under-clocks they have just to match the GPU it's based up, and they'll still be far behind PS4.

[liquidhalos]

@VaizardNL

Correct me if im wrong (and im not)

But aren't both the PS4 and Xbox ONE using X86 architecture? The same architecture as each other, as in no different to each other, as in identical.

I had to repeat that a few times as you are quite condescending to people in your reply below. I figured id be just like you (except unlike you im right, AKA you're wrong)

I thought the difference was in gpu power and poor choice of esram on Microsofts behalf which means that the difference is an actual tangible power difference (i suggest you read some articles on N4G, its been mentioned quite a few times)

[GribbleGrunger]

It actually drops lower than 24fps on the X1. I guess Leadbetter did his best though:

http://i.imgur.com/mCXCZpY....

[G20WLY]

18fps?! That's like a frickin' slide show. 8^/

MS utilises PowerPoint experience in X1, confirmed?

Joking aside, I'd heard it was locked at 30fps on X1, so I'm genuinely surprised by this...apparently the accurate term is 'capped'. :^o

[GribbleGrunger]

The article has been revised, so I'll give Leadbetter a break here:

http://i.imgur.com/95ATHzK....

Edit: Yes it's 'capped' not 'locked'.

edit 2: Ok, I won't give Leadbetter a break.

"we also have a registered dip to 18fps, where the game seems to momentarily freeze for 12 frames at 4:12 in the video - though this isn't indicative of general performance. For those interested, this post explains the confusion - in effect, the frame-rate counter is updating across a sample of 30 frames rather than 60 - as you can see, the graph itself is registering 24fps. We'll get this fixed up in time for the full Face-Off."

It's been revised back up again LOL

"It's not terrible ... It's just really bad."

[jackanderson1985]

it's been reupdated just so ya know... turns out it's their counter that's wrong (or does it's calculations in a funny way) and the graph shows it only dips to 24

[starchild]

Quit being dishonest. They explained exactly why the actual lowest point was 24fps and not 18fps, and it makes perfect sense if you understand how frame rate counters work.

"For its part, Xbox One is clearly more consistent, but a lowest reported frame-rate dip of 24fps isn't great. [Update 20:20 GMT: and as the more eagle-eyed have noticed, we also have a registered dip to 18fps, where the game seems to momentarily freeze for 12 frames at 4:12 in the video - though this isn't indicative of general performance. For those interested, this post explains the confusion - in effect, the frame-rate counter is updating every half second - as you can see, the graph itself is registering 24fps. Apologies for the confusion, We'll get this fixed up in time for the full Face-Off.]"

Even if it had dipped to 18fps momentarily, it wouldn't be the big deal you are making it out to be. What matters is where the frame rate averages most of the time. A singular dip is just a blip.

The PS4 version spends a majority of it's time under 60fps, which means that the framerate is fluctuating and uneven since the variable frame intervals will be out of sync with the 60hz refresh rate of the display.

The XB1 version is 30fps most of the time. This is clear from the averages:
29.98fps on XB1, 53.36fps on PS4 in cutscenes; 29.84fps on XB1, 50.98fps on PS4 during gameplay.

With the AVERAGE on the XB1 so close to 30fps it is clear that it sticks to 30fps the great majority of the time. With the PS4 AVERAGING 50.98fps it means it spends as much time below 50fps as above. That is, it has judder most of the time. And this certainly lines up with what I saw in the gameplay videos of the PS4 version which showed a juddery frame rate most of the time.

[Mr Pumblechook]

Xbone highest frame rate =30fps
PS4 highest frame rate = 60fps

Xbone average frame rate =29.98fps
PS4 average frame rate = 53.36fps

DAMN. That's a significant difference. I hope Microsoft don't start moneyhatting developers for 'parity.'

[NoLongerHereCBA]

Xbox One version is capped to 30fps so the highest and average frame rate are not informative for comparisons sake.

[mkis007]

well the ps4's frame rate is capped at 60 so that point is overblown.

[MightyNoX]

Capped, dude. NOT locked.

[D-riders]

wth type of fanboy commnet was that

[LetoAtreides82]

Starchild you do realize that youtube videos are capped at 30fps, right?

[DarkLordMalik]

Cutscene Frame-rate

Xbox One
Lowest FPS: 27fps
Highest FPS: 30fps
Average FPS: 29.98fps

PS4
Lowest FPS: 32fps
Highest FPS: 60fps
Average FPS: 53.36fps

Gameplay Frame-rate

Xbox One
Lowest FPS: 24fps
Highest FPS: 30fps
Average FPS: 29.84fps

PS4
Lowest FPS: 33fps
Highest FPS: 60fps
Average FPS: 50.98fps

[Kayant]

Oh shit!!! 24 fps average is a huge lead. Damn was actually not expecting it to be that big tbh.

Edit - Oh that's during cutscenes.

It's about 20fps during gameplay but XB1 is mostly locked at 30 fps.

The upcoming features analysis will be intresting to see if there is any differences between both versions. Probably unlikely but all games so far have had some difference in features.

Edit 2 - After watching the videos personally I would still go for the PS4 version because it's averaging high 40-50fps quite well and the framerate drops don't seem that they would be that noticeable.

@The_Infected

Am going to guess maybe because it isn't as consistent with v-sync off compared to the PS4 version so capping it would result in a better experience.

[mos6142]

they capped the xbox one version at 30 my friend. ps4 is unlocked.

[GarrusVakarian]

@infected

Probably because if they unlocked the framerate for the X1 the judder would be way too noticeable and more frequent, so they decided to cap it (not lock it). Whereas for the PS4, while not locked at 60fps, the judder was deemed acceptable and therefore runs unlocked.

"For Xbox One, we can only speculate, but we suspect that a lower overall performance resulted in even more noticeable judder were the game to remain unlocked -"

[wolokowoh]

@The_Infected Probably just lack of optimization. They probably know the ins and outs of PS4 a little better because: a) they got dev kits for it first b) PS4 is slightly easier to develop for c)the deadline was too soon to optimize the Xbone version as well. It could be the power difference but they didn't do enough upgrading to explain how a console significantly more powerful than 360 couldn't handle the changes when the PS4 does so almost effortlessly.

[hulk_bash1987]

Glad to know that when I do eventually get it (in the $40 price range) I will be getting the better of the two console versions. Not to say that the Xbox One version is bad.

[starchild]

Only if you like stutter. The PS4 version averages well below 60fps and fluctuates a lot more than the XB1 version, swinging all the way between 33fps and 60fps.

That is going to mean that the game stutters most of the time.

I would greatly prefer a solid 60fps over a solid 30fps, but I would also prefer a solid 30fps over a stuttery variable framerate, even if it averages higher.

[hulk_bash1987]

Right but it isn't a solid 30fps it still dips below. So I would much rather prefer a variable between 60-30fps than one between 30-below 20fps.

[MasterCornholio]

It still doesn't prove that the Xbox One is on par with a 399$ console. And it also proves that the developers think that the PS4s variable 60 is better than the Xbox Ones variable 30FPS. Because if they didn't they could have capped the framerate of the PS4 version at 30FPS.

[MasterCornholio]

Wow i wasnt expecting the difference to be so large.

Impressive.

[Edi007]

18 fps hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh for a lastgen remake lets see what hapen with the witcher 3 0-10 fps

[pyramidshead]

A game console designed by developers, for developers.

Very much looking forward to the new Thief and the inevitable Watch_Dogs comparison. Fun times ahead here on N4g.

[Kayant]

Am getting all set up ---> http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photo...
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photo...

[Hyper_Tension140]

LOL, dat chair.....I want one!

[theoneb]

And there you have it. Facts are facts. The most powerful console is the PS4. It's also selling faster than the competition. This is good news as the most powerful system will be the focus when multi plats come out.

[Codey47]

"Another development source we reached out to suggests that the DX11 'driver' for the Xbox One still requires a lot of work."

I have, on more than one occasion.. seen users on N4G state that Microsoft are the masters of software.
I know drivers can be "fixed" but it says to me, that Sony really caught Microsoft off guard whence announcing the PS4...and they continue to do so after release.

[MattE]

Controller latency and nudder.. xb1 more consistent.. is it just me or do people just skip over these comments

[Codey47]

" In terms of the Tomb Raider gameplay experience, for all the many advantages the unlocked PS4 frame-rate brings across a range of scenarios, there are areas where the variation in performance is somewhat off-putting. Based on our initial few hours with the game, we would have liked to see an optional frame-rate limiter built into the PS4's display settings (similar to the option found in the BioShock games). This would have given those seeking maximum frame-rate the chance to exercise the muscle of the console, while those who prefer a locked, consistent, judder-free experience could have chosen that instead. Everyone's a winner in that scenario. But clearly, when Tomb Raider PS4 is running at 60fps - or close to it - the experience really is quite wonderful. "

[Sarcasm]

Clearly you have no understanding of what latency is.

30fps is something like 60ms.

60fps is something like 30ms, half of the frame times = less latency.

The FACT is that the PS4 version regardless of the fluctuating frame rates, will produce less latency which is more responsive gameplay.

[starchild]

You're wrong. To achieve 30fps each frame is rendered in 33.3ms or less. 60fps requires that each frame is rendered in 16.7ms or less.

(But that is only latency to the display and doesn't include many factors that affect latency to the controls. That's a whole other issue I'm not going to bother getting into right now).

So yes, the latency is lower if you are averaging 50fps instead of 30fps, but you would be DEAD WRONG if you think a stuttery variable framerate offers a better experience in terms of the CONSISTENCY and feel of the controller response.

A stuttery framerate is also visually displeasing. When motion jerks and judders across your screen it kills immersion and the sense of realism. Motion is smooth in reality, but with an uneven framerate the motion in a game is jerky and juddery which looks unnatural and ugly.

In any case, the difference between the actual frame rates in the PS4 and Xb1 versions isn't as large as you think.

The XB1 version is capped at 30fps. Every game that is capped at 30fps would actually average much higher (since 30fps has to be the average minimum framerate)... most would probably average in the high 40s and would sometimes reach well up into the 50s.

So, in reality the XB1 version is probably averaging something like 43fps, while the PS4 averages 53fps. So, yeah, the PS4 version averages about 10fps more, which isn't surprising since it is the more powerful console. It's a difference, but not as big as some of you are making it out to be.

Personally, if I didn't have the PC version as an option I would prefer the relatively solid 30fps of the XB1 version over the PS4's frame rate that is stuttery most of the time.

[Sarcasm]

^You're wrong.

30fps average is that, 30fps.

Say a game is 60fps, but dips to 45fps. You're telling me that it's lower than 30fps average? What kind of math are you doing?

And minimum frame times is irrelevant unless you look at frame rate over time.

And no, you can ask ANYBODY who owns a gaming PC that a game without V-Sync, while it has screen tear, is still less "laggy" than a game with 30fps and V-Sync on.

Trying to justify 30fps is one of the most delusional thing i've ever seen from the Xbone camp.

It's about as delusional as those saying 720p is clearer than 1080p.

[WikusVanDeMerwe]

"So, in reality the XB1 version is probably averaging something like 43fps, while the PS4 averages 53fps. So, yeah, the PS4 version averages about 10fps more, which isn't surprising since it is the more powerful console. It's a difference, but not as big as some of you are making it out to be."

Where do you get 43?

30fps capped is 43fps average?

[MasterCornholio]

And now lower framerates are better just like a lower resolution is better.

-sarcasm-

Look, I know it bothers you that the PS4 version runs at a much higher framerate but look on the bright side. The Xbox One version runs extremely and I doubt that any Xbox One owner will complain about the performance. But that doesn't change the fact that the PS4 is running this game better than the Xbox One.

[Walker]

holy mother of GAP

[Sarcasm]

http://i.minus.com/iydgEEG6...

[dodo101]

That's a gap indeed.
WTF i just looked at the comments on MRX those guys are in deep deep denial!

[TruthInsider]

Where does MisterXMedia find those mentally challenged people to believe all that crap?

I know you're reading MisterX, careful those tears don't damage your keyboard/phone.

Quick, activate the hidden chip! LMFAO!

[FITgamer]

Those are just all his multiple personalities...oh and belking.

[NaAsAr]

i picked this up on saturday. i am very impressed with what sony has done this time around with ps4. after playing this last year on my amd 7950 3GB card (1200 gpu/1530 memory(intel i5 [email protected]) and now playing this version, can say the ps4 can defintely hold its own.

[paulogy]

So for this game, at least, the PS4 at its worst (33fps) is better than Xbox One at its best (30fps)?

[ThatCanadianGuy514]

On the flip side, it's nice to know i paid $400 to have the best console games throughout the entire gen.

[tudors]

I cannot believe they even managed nipples on the PS4 version, but on the whole I saw nothing that would put me off the Xboxone version, both look great to me.

[JCOLE13195]

As an Xbox One owner I'm pretty disappointed with this. It just makes me envy the hardware the PS4 has even more. I mean, I enjoy my system a lot... But it really bothers/worries me seeing this power difference. It just makes me think about games like The Division and such. How will that game, which looks very graphically intense, look on the Xbox One compared to the PS4? The truth hurts, but it is what it is.

[Hyper_Tension140]

Wow, you deserve bubbles man why can't every xbox fan be like you.

[jessupj]

I'm sure developers will be able to squeeze more out of the xbone in the future, but can I ask a serious question.

Forgive me if this comes off as rude, but were you aware of the specs of both consoles before you bought your xbone and that gap was quite significant on paper?

I'm guessing you were expecting a gap, but not this big of a gap?

[JCOLE13195]

Yes I was aware... But I wasn't expecting the gap to be this huge. I bought an Xbox One because most of my friends are on it and I'm a bigger fan of the exclusives that it has. I also figured multiplats wouldn't be too much different, but if the difference is this huge in upcoming multiplats I might just buy a PS4 for multiplats. If not, I'll just have to deal with it.

[tudors]

Doesn't bother me, if this bothers people then they play for ego points and not for fun.

[tudors]

BTW I just started playing 'the last of us', next gen has just been put on standby!

[webeblazing]

this is the best time to buy games. broke gamers for the win lol. spend money in other places beside just gaming.

[idontcare]

Nice to see TR running smoother on xb1!

[TIER1xWOLFPACKx]

Can't tell if being serious or sarcastic I hope sarcastic

[Xsilver]

it hit 18 fps please tell me your kidding

[idontcare]

"For it's part, the Xbox One is clearly mode consistent."

smooth gameplay > 60fps

[Xsilver]

@idontcare go on gamersyde and watch PS4 gameplay if that isn't smooth i don't know what is.

[GetRealOne]

You can talk as much as you want, but nobody spends 500 bucks for a system that have to spend 6 more years and cant handle old games. Do you see your disagrees? Get Real man, the Xbox exclusives are good, but 80% are multi and so is the ps4 the best choice. The Gab is much bigger than 360 ps3 was. what is next gen about this? Dude you must be blind, there are many years to come. Xbox only for exclusives this time!!!

[idontcare]

I would have made the choice for consistency over average framerate if I was on the design team, too. I guess it just comes down to what you prefer, but this by no means shows that the X1 is underpowered.

i hate fps drops so a stable 30fps is fine with me. have fun playing the better looking but more inconsistent version on the PS4.

and btw, Killzone SF has fps drops. why do you think people are complaining?

http://community.killzone.c...

i really want to want a PS4 but there's still no reason to get one. maybe the Order, Deep Down or Uncharted will change that. as long as the xb1 proves to be a great system with little to no disadvantages compared to the ps4 then i'm fine!

[GetRealOne]

I would agree but killzone had a few drops at the veginning but is long fixed. And TR drops from 30 to 18 fps on xbox. What do you prefer? 30 to 18 or 60 to 32 fps? I am totally with you, they should lock them to lowest, on xbox 18 and ps 32, but they didnt. It drops at xbox too low. Sure its not a pc, but as I said there are many years to come and what do you believe xbox is at the time the ps4 can only handle 18-30fps? Dude xbox is very cool, but they screwed up the same way sony did with the ps3. The exclusives from xbox are the only worth to play, but not for 500 bucks. I played all of them and spend more time on ps4 because of multigames. Exclusives could be developed everytime at 1080p and 60fps because the devs know what to cut to reach that. But all other developer give a shit to optimize, why they should do? It costs all money. The Developer are truly with sony this time. Ps4 has un this short time already double the games than xbox one and three times more are announced than xbox one. Its really sad, because i prefer xbox too. But in the end its about all games and not exclusives. The exclusives are not that much and more to advertise the console.

[DEEBO]

As ps4 and xbox one owner i really don't care because i knew the ps4 was the better game machine back in feb that's why got it reserved it.
the xbox one on the other hands was me getting lucky and being at the right place at the right time type deal.if was for low the cost was i would not pick xbox one until MS drop the price.
MS drop the price or die,kill yourself,die today! in my kevin hart voice

[cell989]

in the immortal words of Liquid Snake- IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!

[gnothe1]

truthfully...I don't think the developer put the time in to optimize this game for both consoles..they got it running at an acceptable rate on the xbox an shipped it...it is a remake an they've already made their money off this game...the only difference im hearing about is the frame rate an that they're identical graphically...so if they can push the same grahpics an details an ones just alittle slower that's not even noticeable then whats the problem?

[Good-Smurf]

I'm about to submit this story but you know this guy beat me to it!
But anyway this would be enough to shut some xbone fans up,what a difference in framerate!

[maniacmayhem]

So did anyone watch the actual video or just watch the numbers?

because I watched the video and saw absolutely NO difference.

[MasterCornholio]

YouTube is capped at 30FPS.

:(

[maniacmayhem]

So if there's no difference because of Youtube how are there people in this comment section saying PS4 is the best version?

[-Foxtrot]

@maniacmayhem

Because the developer said so and gamers who've played it have said so aswell....duhhhh

[maniacmayhem]

@Foxtrot

Ooooh so now we can trust the developers and gamers??

Ok, so all the hype for Titanfall is legit because the developer and gamers who played it said so aswell too...

duuuuhhhh

[-Foxtrot]

@maniacmayhem

Titanfall this...TitanFall that, you like a broken record man.

Again you can't counter someones argument so your bringing up something that's totally off topic to this article.

Seriously you get worse and worse.

Comment Policeman ManiacMayhem

[maniacmayhem]

LMAO @ Foxtrot

I love it, you're constantly getting caught with your hypocrite pants around your ankles.

And when that happens you instantly resort to name calling.

;)

[MasterCornholio]

I can see the difference from the 60FPS videos on gamersynde.

Youtube isn't the only source for these types of things.

[BOLO]

Impressive...Xbox One is on par with its predecessor the 360 @ 1080p...Next-gen indeed! /s

[MCTJim]

So i watched and I really dont see any huge differences Doesnt matter for me on either version...I'm not paying full retail for a game that I already bought on the 360. Make it 20 bucks and I will consider it.

I myself prefer consistant frame rate over unlocked, but to each his own.

[victorMaje]

Ummm what's up in the first video 4:05 to 4:15? Dude's hair changes on xbox one...