Insomniac Games Announces Major Updates for PS5 Titles

Insomniac Games has announced exciting PS5 Pro support updates for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Renowned for setting high standards in next-gen graphics, Insomniac's updates are sure to keep the visual hype alive as gamers eagerly await upcoming titles like the Wolverine game and Venom: Lethal Protector. Owners of the PS5 Pro can now revisit Spider-Man 2 and Rift Apart to enjoy enhanced visuals.

However, some players have expressed disappointment over the cancellation of story DLC for Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Many were looking forward to additional content, especially after leaks suggested that three expansions were in the works. It seems the developer has decided to concentrate on resolving bugs and improving the overall presentation of its latest releases as it gears up for future projects.

Insomniac shared via social media that updates for PS5 Pro support have been deployed for both Spider-Man 2 and Rift Apart. These updates focus on visual enhancements made possible by the upgraded hardware and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. Each game now features both Performance Pro and Fidelity Pro modes.

Overview of PS5 Pro Support Features

The default setting for both titles has been set to Performance Pro mode, which aims to deliver a smooth 60 frames per second while utilizing PSSR technology to achieve image quality comparable to that of the Fidelity mode, often targeting 4K resolution. In this mode, all ray-tracing features are enabled. Conversely, Fidelity Pro mode is designed for those seeking 30fps gameplay, with enhancements in ray-tracing features such as reflections, ambient occlusion lighting, and in the case of Spider-Man 2, ray-traced key light shadows that replace the standard cascaded shadow maps.

For Spider-Man 2, these updates will significantly enhance visuals, especially in urban environments, which tend to be graphically intensive. On the standard PS5, crowd density was reduced in certain areas to manage system performance, but the Fidelity Pro mode on the PS5 Pro restores that density. In Rift Apart, the benefits of these updates may vary depending on the complexity of the environments, but the PS5 Pro is focused on delivering overall enhancements. With the developer's increasing expertise with these tools, fans can anticipate even greater visual improvements in Insomniac's upcoming titles.

Patch Notes for Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and Spider-Man 2

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

- Performance Pro (Default for PS5 Pro): This mode targets a smooth 60 frames per second while maintaining the image quality of the standard Fidelity mode through PSSR. All ray-tracing features are active, including ray-traced reflections, water, and window interiors. This setting is recommended for most players.

- Fidelity Pro: Designed for players wanting to explore new ray-tracing features, this mode targets 30fps. Players can individually adjust these features to achieve higher intermediate frame rates, especially when using “VRR” or “120 Hz Display Mode.” Increased pedestrian and traffic density is possible, along with enhanced hair detail.

New Graphical Toggles:
- RT Reflections: Medium (Performance) / High (Fidelity default) – Adjust the quality level for ray-traced reflections, with “Medium” using half render resolution and “High” using full render resolution for smoother animation.
- RT Ambient Occlusion: Off (Performance) / Medium / High (Fidelity default) – Employ ray-tracing to enhance ambient occlusion lighting. The “Medium” setting augments screen-space ambient occlusion, while the “High” setting incorporates additional lighting effects, with visual impact varying by scene.
Miscellaneous Fixes: Corrected missing fur wetness in some cinematics on Corson V, a glitch introduced in a prior patch.
- Performance Pro (Default for PS5 Pro): This mode aims for 60fps while preserving image quality similar to the standard Fidelity mode through PSSR, with all ray-tracing features enabled.
- Fidelity Pro: For players wanting to test new ray-tracing capabilities, this mode targets 30fps. Individual tuning of features is available for enhanced frame rates, particularly with “VRR” or “120 Hz Display Mode.” Increased density for pedestrians and traffic is possible, along with improved hair detail.

New Graphical Toggles:

- RT Key Light Shadows: Off (Performance) / On (Fidelity default) – Use ray-tracing for distant sun shadows, enhancing cityscape visuals.

- RT Reflections & Interiors: Medium (Performance) / High (Fidelity default) – Set quality for ray-traced reflections and window interiors, with the “High” setting improving animation smoothness.

- RT Ambient Occlusion: Off (Performance) / Medium / High (Fidelity default) – Use ray-tracing for ambient occlusion lighting, with varying visual effects based on the scene's complexity.

With these enhancements, Insomniac Games continues to elevate the gaming experience on PS5, setting a high bar for future titles.