Tag: Pearl Abyss

  • Crimson Desert Reviews: Annoyance Fixed Before Release Date

    Crimson Desert Reviews: Annoyance Fixed Before Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert received an average Metacritic score of 78, which fell short of some players’ expectations.
    2. The initial inventory space was limited to 20 slots, but developers increased it to 50 in response to player feedback.
    3. Patch updates improved inventory capacity significantly, allowing players to expand their slots to 226 through side quests.
    4. The absence of storage boxes remains a concern, and developers are exploring solutions to enhance storage options.
    5. The review embargo raised concerns, as Metacritic only featured PC ratings at launch, leading to speculation about potential performance issues on console versions.

    With an average Metacritic score of 78, the reviews for Crimson Desert didn’t quite meet the hopes of some players. Nevertheless, it seems that the developers have already tackled one of the most frequently voiced concerns. Even though the game features a vast open world brimming with loot, many found the inventory space to be inadequate. As mentioned on Reddit, GamingTrend pointed out that certain reviews might not reflect the enhancements made from earlier versions.

    Inventory Space Improvements

    Initially, the game from Pearl Abyss was a hoarder’s worst nightmare, offering a mere 20 inventory slots. Responding to the backlash, the studio quickly upped that number to 50. In addition, players can acquire even more storage by purchasing items from in-game NPCs.

    Patch Updates and Side Quests

    According to the author of the GamingTrend review for Crimson Desert, a patch made significant improvements within just 3-5 days of testing. By completing side quests, players can increase their capacity. By the time the critic finished their article, they had a much more accommodating 226 slots available. However, it seems that some opinions did not recognize these updates.

    Ongoing Storage Issues

    Like many open-world RPGs or MMORPGs, players will gather weapons, gear, and crafting materials in Pywel. Although the new options are more fulfilling, the absence of storage boxes remains a notable flaw. Luckily, some testers have reported that the developers are looking into a more lasting solution.

    It remains unclear why Pearl Abyss decided to delay fixing one of the game’s major quality-of-life issues. Perhaps the technical difficulties of rendering seemingly endless maps took precedence. Nonetheless, Reddit users have pointed out that fans of The Witcher 3 faced similar restrictions before updates were released.

    Review Embargo Concerns

    The publisher has come under fire for how they managed the review embargo. Even on the day Crimson Desert launched, Metacritic had no ratings for the console editions, concentrating exclusively on the PC version. With limited footage for the PS5 or Xbox Series X, some fans suspect that the company is concealing performance issues.

    Crimson Desert’s day-one patches might alleviate inventory problems or frame rate drops, but these updates highlight a common industry concern. Reviewers may not interact with the same game as buyers do, which can significantly influence pre-order purchases.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Crimson Desert FAQ: No Cross-Save and Day-One Patch Details

    Crimson Desert FAQ: No Cross-Save and Day-One Patch Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Dates and Pre-load: Crimson Desert will launch globally on March 19, with pre-load starting on March 17 across multiple platforms.

    2. Platform Availability: The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, Mac App Store, and GeForce NOW.

    3. No Cross-Save Feature: Players cannot transfer save files between different platforms and must manage separate saves if playing on multiple devices.

    4. Internet Connection Required: An internet connection is needed for the initial setup and to download the day-one patch; offline play is possible afterward.

    5. Controller Compatibility: The PC version supports Xbox controllers and the DualSense controller via USB connection, but wireless use of the DualSense is not supported.

    Pearl Abyss has released a new FAQ about the launch of Crimson Desert, addressing various important details before the game is available. This includes information on when the game will be launched globally, when players can pre-load it, which platforms it will be on, controller compatibility, and the need for an internet connection. One of the key points is that there won’t be cross-save features between different platforms, and players must have internet access for the initial setup and to download the day-one patch before they can play offline.

    Cross-Save and Offline Play

    As stated in the FAQ, players will not able to transfer their saves between platforms. Additionally, an internet connection is necessary to finish the setup and download the first patch, although offline play is possible once everything is installed. It’s important for players to understand that if they want to play on different platforms, they will need to manage separate save files. For those who want to play without the internet on the first day, they should be prepared for some limitations since you must first set up the game online.

    Launch Dates and Platforms

    Crimson Desert is set to launch worldwide on March 19 at 15:00 PT / 22:00 GMT / and March 20 at 07:00 KST. Players can start pre-loading the game on March 17 at 15:00 PT / 22:00 GMT / March 18 at 07:00 KST from various platforms including the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam.

    The FAQ also indicates that the game will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, Mac App Store, and GeForce NOW. This broad range of platforms, especially including Mac and cloud support, is a significant advantage for the game’s launch.

    Technical Specifications

    In terms of performance, Pearl Abyss confirms that Crimson Desert will support FSR 3/4 and DLSS 4/4.5 on PC, with enhanced PSSR technology on the PS5 Pro, and FSR 3 for the standard PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version will be equipped with AMD FSR Ray Regeneration and NVIDIA DLSS Ray Reconstruction, while frame generation features are only available for PC and Mac. For Mac users, additional support for MetalFX Upscaler, Frame Generation, and Denoiser is also included.

    For those who prefer using controllers, the PC version of Crimson Desert is compatible with Xbox controllers and the DualSense controller via USB connection only. This is a minor yet helpful note for players planning to use the Sony controller wirelessly on their PCs.

    Practical Information

    The FAQ feels more like a practical checklist rather than a marketing piece. In addition to the main points, Pearl Abyss also mentions that the game will offer interface and subtitle support in 14 different languages, with full voiceover available in English, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.

    For gamers eager about the launch, this FAQ provides answers to many common pre-release queries all in one place. While the absence of cross-save might be a letdown for some, it does clarify the launch schedule, pre-load opportunities, online requirements, and platform availability.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Crimson Desert Performance Remains Strong Despite Denuvo Addition

    Crimson Desert Performance Remains Strong Despite Denuvo Addition

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19 and aims to be one of the largest open-world games ever created.
    2. Pearl Abyss has confirmed that the game will include Denuvo, a controversial DRM technology.
    3. The studio claims that Denuvo will not negatively impact the game’s performance, based on shared performance metrics.
    4. Previous concerns about Denuvo’s impact on frame rates (up to 30FPS drops) may not apply to Crimson Desert.
    5. Pre-orders for the disc version of Crimson Desert are available for PlayStation 5 on Amazon US.

    Promising to be one of the largest open-world games ever created, Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19. The production studio, Pearl Abyss, recently confirmed that Denuvo will be included in the game. While this news has sparked a lot of criticism, the company’s official comments could help ease some concerns.

    No Negative Impact on Performance

    As noted by Paul Tassi on X, Pearl Abyss insists that including Denuvo has not harmed the game’s performance. All performance metrics shared so far have been obtained from versions of the game that use Denuvo.

    The benchmark videos and performance specifications that we provided were made with the same Denuvo implementation that will be in the final release. This includes the performance videos produced by Digital Foundry. It’s essential that the experiences of reviewers and benchmarkers align with what final consumers will encounter.

    – Pearl Abyss, as mentioned by Paul Tassi

    Denuvo’s Mixed Reputation

    Denuvo is well-known for being a DRM that is hard to crack, but it also has a bad reputation for hurting performance. To be specific, some tests have revealed that certain games can experience frame rate drops of up to 30FPS when the DRM is activated. Luckily, it seems that Crimson Desert might escape this particular issue.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Crimson Desert PS5: 48GB Download Required for Offline Play

    Crimson Desert PS5: 48GB Download Required for Offline Play

    Key Takeaways

    1. Large File Size: Crimson Desert for PS5 has a physical disc size of 77GB, with an additional required download of 48.24GB upon release.

    2. Storage Challenges: The PS5’s maximum storage is 100GB, leading to difficulties in managing large game files, as seen with other titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

    3. Pre-order Issues: Even collector’s editions face mandatory download problems, raising concerns for players with unreliable internet, similar to issues faced with other games.

    4. Rising Memory Costs: The price for additional storage is increasing, making it less economical to upgrade, as even small updates are now common on release day.

    5. Positive Early Reviews: Despite the storage issues, early reviews suggest Crimson Desert offers a high-quality, expansive gameplay experience, with impressive graphics and physics.

    As with a lot of open-world games on consoles, the Crimson Desert version for PS5 comes with a hefty file size. Social media account “Does it play?” confirmed that the physical version includes about 77GB on its disc. However, players will also need to download an additional 48.24GB when it releases on March 19. Without this download, offline play won’t be an option.

    Console Limitations

    The maximum storage for PS5 media is 100GB, which can be a challenge for large games. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, for instance, takes up 147GB, which can make internet connections struggle post-purchase. Critics of digital gaming often voice concerns about mandatory downloads.

    Pre-order Concerns

    Even the Crimson Desert Deluxe Edition pre-orders, which target collectors, face similar issues. Some fans wished that Pearl Abyss would take cues from other big titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, which uses multiple discs to help those without reliable internet access.

    It’s unfortunate that as games grow in size, consoles are falling behind. Users of Switch 2 are encountering comparable challenges with Game-Key cards. The handheld’s 64GB cartridges fall short for large open worlds akin to those in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Players must connect to servers to access additional data since the Game-Key Card holds only limited information.

    Rising Costs

    With storage becoming scarce, the prices for additional memory are rising, making it less economical to upgrade. Physical releases used to save space on SSDs, but now even small updates are often required on the first day.

    The silver lining is that early reviews for Crimson Desert indicate that the PS5 game may be worth the trouble. Pearl Abyss has marketed an almost limitless open-world experience, and it seems they’ve delivered on that promise. One YouTuber shared that even after 50 hours of gameplay, he had only seen a small part of Pywel. The graphics are top-notch, performance meets the mark, and the hyper-realistic physics enhance the combat experience significantly.

    To clarify, after the initial download on release day, gamers can indeed play the Crimson Desert PS5 version offline. Pearl Abyss has also mentioned on its site that not all game data would fit on the disc.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Crimson Desert PS5 Pro: High Framerate 4K Graphics & PSSR 2 Support

    Crimson Desert PS5 Pro: High Framerate 4K Graphics & PSSR 2 Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert features an expansive open world, reportedly larger than Red Dead Redemption 2.
    2. The game is expected to support 4K resolutions and higher frame rates on PS5 Pro, with hopes for a 4K/60 fps mode.
    3. Advanced technology, including PSSR 2, improves image clarity and performance, while Geometry Shader Oversubscription and NGC Culling manage polygon influx.
    4. The standard PS5’s SSD may help reduce loading times and stuttering, and DualSense features enhance gameplay with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
    5. Concerns about performance on consoles persist, but Pearl Abyss plans to release console footage before the game’s March 19th launch to address these issues.

    Crimson Desert boasts an expansive open world that Pearl Abyss assures is even bigger than Red Dead Redemption 2. Lately, however, worries have emerged regarding the game’s performance on consoles. While the footage available so far is primarily from PC, a new preview has sparked optimism for the smooth performance of Crimson Desert on the PS5 Pro.

    Promising Features

    Hands-on impressions from the PlayStation blog indicate that the console will have support for “4K resolutions at higher frame rates.” Gamers are eager for more details, particularly hoping for a 4K/60 fps mode with maximum detail settings. Additionally, ray-tracing will be available for stunningly realistic lighting effects.

    Advanced Technology

    Similar to Resident Evil Requiem, Crimson Desert will utilize what has been referred to as PSSR 2. This upgraded AI-driven upscaling allows the system to produce clearer images while minimizing artifacts. The High CPU Frequency Mode eases the load on processors when players navigate the Pywel continent. Lastly, Geometry Shader Oversubscription and NGC Culling address the constant influx of polygons.

    Sadly, the preview for Crimson Desert does not offer much detail regarding performance on the standard PS5. Nonetheless, the built-in SSD may help to avoid stuttering or long loading times. The article also highlights DualSense features, such as advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers during combat scenarios.

    Anticipation Builds

    Until other outlets are granted access to the PS5 Pro Enhanced version of the game, the blog post is unlikely to silence all critics. Will Powers, the marketing director of Pearl Abyss, has addressed doubts on social media, asserting that the studio will release console footage ahead of the March 19th release of Crimson Desert. As time passes, fans are becoming more anxious.

    If the game encounters issues on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it might push some players to upgrade to the premium PlayStation hardware. Signs are already showing that the successful Resident Evil Requiem has increased sales for the system. The enhanced PSSR has persuaded some consumers that the PS5 Pro can compete with more expensive gaming PCs.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Crimson Desert Release Date and Preorder Rewards Revealed

    Crimson Desert Release Date and Preorder Rewards Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Crimson Desert is an open-world action RPG where players control Kliff, a mercenary leader in a war-torn continent called Pywel.

    2. Release Date: The game will launch on March 19, 2026, after being delayed from its initial 2025 timeline due to extensive development work.

    3. New Trailer: A new story trailer has been released, highlighting cinematic battles and political drama within the game.

    4. Preorder Bonuses: All preorders include the Khaled Shield, with additional bonuses for PlayStation 5 players and special items in Deluxe and Collector’s editions.

    5. Platforms: Crimson Desert will be available for pre-purchase and launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

    Crimson Desert, the highly awaited open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss, known for Black Desert Online, puts players in the role of Kliff, a mercenary leader. He tries to bring his group back together while dealing with the conflicts on the war-torn continent of Pywel. First revealed in 2019, the game has faced several delays, with the developers mentioning extensive work on voice acting, certification, and logistics.

    New Trailer Release

    Recently, a fresh story trailer was released, showcasing epic cinematic battles, political drama, and the gritty feel of Crimson Desert.

    Release Date Announcement

    Until now, the release timing of Crimson Desert was unclear. Initially set for a 2025 launch, Pearl Abyss had moved it to Q1 2026 due to the need for more work on voiceovers, certification, and other launch preparations. This new trailer gives a concrete release date of March 19th, 2026, which means fans only have to wait a short 5 months to finally play the game.

    Preorder Bonuses Revealed

    At the end of the trailer, the preorder bonuses for the game were revealed. Pearl Abyss confirmed that all preorders will include the Khaled Shield as an in-game item. PlayStation 5 players will receive an additional Grotevant Plate Set as a special preorder bonus. The Deluxe and Collector’s editions come with extra cosmetic items such as the Kairos Plate Set, various shield options, and mount gear, but the Khaled Shield is the basic preorder reward for all.

    Crimson Desert is now available for pre-purchase and will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With features like flying mechs and dragon riding, this game has surely piqued the interest of many. However, given Pearl Abyss’s past with delays, fans can only hope that the March 19th, 2026 date holds true.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Crimson Desert Release Delayed to Q1 2026 Update

    Crimson Desert Release Delayed to Q1 2026 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The release of Crimson Desert has been postponed from late 2025 to Q1 2026 due to coordination challenges with various partners.

    2. Pearl Abyss will present an open-world version of Crimson Desert at Gamescom and PAX West in August, and it will also be featured at the Tokyo Game Show in September.

    3. There was initially incorrect information suggesting a November 2 release date for 2025, which has since been clarified as inaccurate.

    4. The game has shifted from its original MMORPG concept to an action-adventure format, showcasing dynamic combat and stunning landscapes.

    5. Players will need a powerful graphics card, such as an RTX 2080 or RX 6700 XT, for optimal gameplay experience.

    After being announced in 2019, the open-world action-adventure game Crimson Desert has been quite quiet until 2023. It generated a lot of excitement with gameplay videos that hinted at a potential release date. However, the launch has now been postponed by a quarter from its previously scheduled late 2025 timeframe.

    Delay Announcement

    Pearl Abyss, the studio behind Crimson Desert and Black Desert (which launched in 2014), held a Q2 2025 earnings call where they discussed the game. It was confirmed that the release has been pushed to Q1 2026. The delay is attributed to longer-than-anticipated timelines for coordinating schedules and collaborating with various partners. These partners encompass offline distributors, voice-over teams, console certification agencies, and others. A spokesperson stated, “We sincerely apologize for not being able to meet the originally promised fourth quarter launch schedule. Please kindly understand that this is a strategic decision aimed at insuring success on a meaningful scale.”

    Future Events

    As of now, there’s no specific date, but Pearl Abyss will reveal one when the time is right. They will, however, present an open-world version of the game at Gamescom and PAX West this August. Following that, in September, the game will also be featured at the Tokyo Game Show.

    In June, information suggested that Crimson Desert would launch on November 2, adhering to its Q4 2025 timeline. The developers later clarified this information was incorrect and that an official release date would be given when ready. Unfortunately, it seems that a delay is now unavoidable, meaning the game will be released over six years after its initial announcement, barring any further delays.

    Development Changes

    Originally, Crimson Desert was intended to be an MMORPG like Black Desert, but as development continued, it shifted towards an action-adventure format. The videos showcasing boss battles reveal dynamic combat and beautiful landscapes. The game utilizes an enhanced version of the proprietary BlackSpace Engine that was used for Black Desert. According to details on the Steam page, players are recommended to have an RTX 2080 or an RX 6700 XT to enjoy the game optimally.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Crimson Desert Release Date Officially Confirmed

    Crimson Desert Release Date Officially Confirmed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert is scheduled for release on November 2, 2025, with a tentative date pending final development stages.
    2. Developer Pearl Abyss declined Sony’s offer for exclusive distribution rights and will handle publishing themselves.
    3. The game shifted from an MMORPG concept to an open-world action-adventure format.
    4. Several trailers and gameplay clips have been released, highlighting exploration and combat features.
    5. There is a possibility of delays, with some speculating it could be pushed to 2026.

    The highly anticipated open-world action-adventure game, Crimson Desert, has finally set a release date for November. There were worries it might be delayed until 2026, but it appears that the developer, Pearl Abyss, is committed to the late 2025 timeline. Announced back in 2019, the game has revealed several trailers and gameplay clips that showcase exploration, combat, and other features.

    Tentative Launch Date

    A report from the Korean outlet MTN, which was translated, states that Crimson Desert is set to release on November 2. This date is described as tentative since the game is now in its final development stages. If everything goes smoothly and no delays occur, November 2 will be the official launch date, according to the report.

    Distribution Decisions

    The same report mentions that Sony had approached the developers for exclusive distribution rights, but they turned it down. For the time being, it seems that Pearl Abyss is taking charge of the publishing and distribution themselves.

    Initially, Crimson Desert was envisioned as an MMORPG, much like Pearl Abyss’s Black Desert, but the direction shifted to an action-adventure format. A gameplay trailer was shared at Gamescom 2023, followed by a series of boss battles. Later, during The Game Awards 2024, a late 2025 release window was revealed. The developers currently express confidence in the November launch, but given the trend of video game delays, it wouldn’t be surprising if Crimson Desert sees a push to 2026.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,