Graphics Issues I'm Having...Admins and Mods please read this

(blueostrichdos) #1

Seen this posted several times. None go into specifics enough. Hoping SD/Bethesda will earmark this one as I’ve spent a lot of time trying to remedy this issue and connecting with fellow xbox users I know in person to test this out.

At release, my friend goes to get game at midnight, goes to his pal’s house and puts it in their xbox. It had no internet connection, they played all offline. First thing he noticed was how appalling the graphics were. Described it to me later as poor textures, dark, muddy image. Very low resolution. He felt bad because he convinced several people with him to grab a copy of the game. Thought maybe it was their tv, a 40" Vizio (he dislikes Vizio hardcore), so he went home to play on his tv (A 5 year old Panasonic flat screen but rear projection capable of 1080i). His xbox elite was hooked up with HD components on the 720p setting. Said it looks almost exactly like the pre-release S.M.A.R.T. videos released online for our viewing pleasures. Few to no texture pop-ins, said it looks smooth and everything, as opposed to what he had witnessed earlier.

I received my copy of Brink the next day after work, after him telling me his issues, and went home to check it out. I have the new xbox that was set up to my 40" Samsung with 1080P capability but it was only hooked up with my 720p hd component cables so I can use my Turtle Beach headphones. Needless to say but the graphics were appalling. Looked murky, very low resolution, things in the distance blurred, very jagged edges (aliased), and horrible texture pop-ins.

Things I’ve tried to fix the issue so far (to no avail)

  • Upgraded from HD Component at 720p to HDMI at 1080p.
  • Cached my xbox hdd, reinstall Brink to hdd, and reinstall the patch
  • Change my tv settings such as, turned on edge smoother, game mode, black levels, brightness

Not too many things to really try here. The only thing that improved things visually was to turn the gamma up to almost the highest setting. While this didn’t improve the textures or graphics it did improve the murky look and make things more pleasing to the eye by having colors and game art pop a little more. Installing the game to my hdd reduced the texture popping very slightly, still noticeable to the point that I cannot ignore it. It also reduced loading times.

I leave work in 2 hours, I’m going to try hooking everything up to my much smaller and slightly older 25" Vizio with 720p capabilities.

I am not the only one with these problems, I have people who I know personally who can confirm witnessing the same issues. I have also connected with several people on the forums who have the exact same issues, as well as many others that I have noticed posting complaining that the graphics suck. Now, while just saying the graphics suck sounds like a matter of opinion, I’ve tried to do my own research into the issue to make sure I am not being subjective or biased. In no way am I incredibly picky when it comes to graphics, no more than anybody is nowadays who comes to expect next-gen graphics. I also acknowledge that Brink is not trying to break any new ground graphically, it’s about the gameplay. I enjoy the game, it’s fun to play, but I can only play for so long when I feel like I’m playing a REALLY AWESOME game from 2005.

What I’m asking for is some sort of acknowledgement from you guys that you are aware this is an issue. If I go home tonight, and play on my smaller, older tv, and the game looks like it did when I watched those S.M.A.R.T. videos online, then it will only further prove that there are major issues. I should be able to enjoy Brink on my nice big hdtv. That’s half the reason I bought it. I’m not slamming the game, it’s a great game with lots of potential. I just want to sleep easy knowing you are aware of the issue and that there’s something that can be done about it.

EDIT

What I failed to mention is that the issues I’m having as far as jagged/rough/aliased edges; seem to pertain mostly to the environment. And more specifically, the 3D environments within the boundaries of the maps. Almost everything that you can interact with using S.M.A.R.T. buttons or just jump on, circle around, walk over, etc etc. I’m not sure what you’d call it in developer lingo.

(blueostrichdos) #2

bump

(Hyrage) #3

Right now, the 360 looks like crap due to maybe screen resolution or strange post-process. I really can’t know for sure what is the problem here, but the game also lack anti-aliasing on the 360… in the end, the result doesn’t look good enough.

It’s not a bug.

(Light) #4

the xbox uses an ATI xenon chipset. id tech games are designed for nvidia chipsets (hence no ps3 problems). they’re fixing it. relax.

(blueostrichdos) #5

Not to doubt you guys, this is the most logical reply I have gotten so far…but just out of curiousity what are you basing this on? Is this a well documented issue? Has it happened in the past? Like I said, not calling you out, just hoping for more insight into this.

(Light) #6

The majority of the posts are people complaining that they’re having graphical issues with the ATI Radeon XXXX card. Xbox’s use ATI chipsets and those chipsets are forced to emulate some nvidia stuff. So I wouldn’t think it so difficult to deduce that the problem is the ati chipset in the xbox.

Plus I believe this happened with another game on the PC a few years ago.

Also I believe first and maybe second generation xbox’s use nvidia chipsets. which is why some people are posting that they have no problems.

(JGBarnes) #7

I joined just to bump this. Let me preface this all by saying I’m totally head over heels for Brink – and Splash Damage, you guys rock it to 11.

I noticed, as well, all of these graphical issues. Light, can you link me somewhere that explicitly states they’re working on these issues and that their solution(s) will apply not only to the PC, but to the X360 as well?

To reiterate the OP, the very first thing I noticed about Brink, once I finally got into a game, is that it is QUITE OBVIOUSLY not running in full 720p. The second thing I noticed is that it is, indeed, VERY murky. I went in expecting the bright beautiful vista Splash Damage so wonderfully designed, but it’s covered in this murky nasty hue where even the black levels are a washed out purple color (almost like a bruise). The gamma adj. in the options menu does nearly nothing to alleviate any of these issues. The third thing I noticed is that the distant skies are unbelievably lo-res. Like Playstation 1 lo-res. It’s just plainly atrocious looking.

I have a well calibrated 40" Sony LCD. It’s nice. I know darn well it’s not my set. I’m playing through HDMI and I install every game I play – Brink is no exception. With all that said, the only time I notice texture pop is when a game is JUST beginning or during small cutscenes. Otherwise, the texture pop is not an issue for me. There is a certain quality standard I expect from games and while Brink is no doubt gorgeously designed, and I am also no doubt NOT a GFX snob, the low resolution Brink is clearly running in gets in the way of appreciating what Splash Damage has done here. It’s like someone put a screen door in front of my TV and poured swamp water on it.

(blueostrichdos) #8

Bumping again, the fact that this is hardly being replied to is disappoint as I know it’s an issue that’s out there for a lot of people.

Couldn’t find anywhere about nvidia in the 360. I know it was the original xbox’s graphics card of choice but as far as I can see the ati has been used across all xbox 360 versions.

Still, it explains the bulk of the problems, but basically what that says is that they only made it for xbox to boost sales and didn’t care to take the time to polish it/make it look better for us. Kinda a middle finger saying, should have other platforms. I would have got this for playstation, still may rent it when the psn it back up, to do real comparisons

(Light) #9

If I was able to figure it out on my own I’m sure they’ve figured it out as well. I was one of the first people to make a post regarding this issue and an admin responded to it. If they took the time to answer every repeat question the update they’re working on would take even longer to create.

(PopeTackler) #10

Bumping this. I am having the exact same problem, while friends of mine are not. I have it installed to the harddrive and I’m running it on a first generation Xbox, one of the Core systems as they’re called these days.

If this is indeed being looked into I’d gladly hear an estimate as to when the title update while be available for the Xbox crowd, as I have another 8 days to return this game for a full refund.

(JGBarnes) #11

I love you, Splash Damage! And I adore your game. Please listen up!

Just saw your edit, blue.

To add, yes, what I meant by the game clearly not running in full 720p was not only referring to the textures, but the geometry (character models and environments). Like you said, everything is saturated liberally with a crusty edge as if the game is only outputting somewhere in the 540p range – jaggies galore. Now I understand not every single console game runs in 100% full 720p – there are countless cheats devs can utilize to accomplish this while still maintaining smooth and defined edges: Halo Reach is a great example, but in Brink’s case, this is unacceptable in this generation of gaming where we come to expect a certain base level of quality in the visual department.

(PopeTackler) #12

Hear hear!

(Amg Zone) #13

Getting the same issue, love the game but it looks so ugly!

(JGBarnes) #14

I really REALLY hope these issues, specifically for the Xbox, are being looked into and that whatever they’re doing to fix the PC issues with the ATI cards can easily be carried over to our consoles. Brink’s design is absolutely stunning, but the tech issues on the 360 are like getting gouged in the eyes while vacationing at a tropical resort: it might feel great, but I wish I could enjoy the view.

(Crispy) #15

Hi there. I have been monitoring this thread but sorry for not replying sooner.

Is anyone able to take a set of photos comparing the two different levels of performance?

(blueostrichdos) #16

Crispy, I will be going home this afternoon when I get off of work and try to get some good video footage of what it looks like on my tv. I don’t have anywhere else to test it now as I’ve come back to my apartment and not in my hometown where my buddies are. I’ll post on this thread the link to Youtube once I get a quality video captured and I’ll also take several photos

(PopeTackler) #17

I’d love to be able to but I don’t own a decent camera/capture card or a PS3/PC (at least not one capable of running Brink). Hopefully someone else will be able to oblige.

(Amg Zone) #18

I see someone has kindly offered to get those pictures for you.

It just looks terrible, all jagged edges and what have you.

Really hope you get it fixed as the game is awesome and drowning in potential but I fear it will cause ppl to trade in/return their copies!

(Iruel) #19

Hey guys
After playing thru all the content…joining lobbies where im the only human in my side…lagged for 2 minutes straight and having my eyes hurt by these horrible ghaphics ive come to a point where i dont know if I should keep it or run away !!!

Checking on both forums, this and beth I havent found a single trace of hope for me. A DLC would be nice… if the game worked as intended.

Please hold your comment about installing the game cause its done.

So far ive installed the game, reset my router, duck taped my pc vid car to the xbox, sacrificed 2 chickens to the dark gods of the internet and dance naked around the ez chair…

(Amg Zone) #20

Lol Iruel, dancing naked fun? Lol

Hold it out mate, they’ll fix it. I’ve seen an improvement already, im more will come.

I’m just really hoping this graphical issue gets sorted.