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A little more.

PCGH: Will the PC version of Resident Evil like done with previously Capcom titles like Lost Planet or Bionic Commando be upgraded with support for DX10/DX10.1 or even DX11? What was or were the deciding technical advantages of the DX10/11 API/Shader Modell 4/5? In what way does it allow you to optimize or simplify the rendering process in your game? From what DX10-feature do you think your games profits most? Will the DX 10 (10.1) visualization differ substantially from the graphics that are rendered with DX 9 hardware or will DX10/10.1 just speed up the rendering process? If there are special DX 10/10.1 visuals, what are the graphical features that can only be rendered with shader model 4 hardware?

Kawata: RE5 Will support DX10. This is mainly because our game engine, ‘MT Framework', already supports DX10. We also intend to encourage the gamers to shift to DX10. The rendering process has become even more complex due to the co-existence with DX9 thus to really fully utilise DX10 we'd even need to look into the option of letting DX9 go as a whole. Although RE5 does not have any DX10 specific feature, it does however benefit from less memory usage, faster loading and more stable windowed mode.

PCGH: Finally: Can the previously benchmark released with the demo be found in the final version of the game, too? Does the chosen benchmark scene reflect the real hardware requirements of the game?

Kawata: There will be benchmarks included in the product version. There will in fact be 2 benchmarks to minimise the result being affected by the software and accurately reflect the hardware environment.

Gee... DX10- less memory usage, loads faster, more stable. Doesn't sound like that 'runs slower' biz, Mr. T. Streamlined, more efficient rendering, esp. in the 10.1 mode NV pushed to have yanked from Assassin's Creed when it made them look bad. Must be an NV thang.

PCGH: Will the PC version of Resident Evil like done with previously Capcom titles like Lost Planet or Bionic Commando be upgraded with support for DX10/DX10.1 or even DX11? What was or were the deciding technical advantages of the DX10/11 API/Shader Modell 4/5? In what way does it allow you to optimize or simplify the rendering process in your game? From what DX10-feature do you think your games profits most? Will the DX 10 (10.1) visualization differ substantially from the graphics that are rendered with DX 9 hardware or will DX10/10.1 just speed up the rendering process? If there are special DX 10/10.1 visuals, what are the graphical features that can only be rendered with shader model 4 hardware?

Kawata: RE5 Will support DX10. This is mainly because our game engine, ‘MT Framework', already supports DX10. We also intend to encourage the gamers to shift to DX10. The rendering process has become even more complex due to the co-existence with DX9 thus to really fully utilise DX10 we'd even need to look into the option of letting DX9 go as a whole. Although RE5 does not have any DX10 specific feature, it does however benefit from less memory usage, faster loading and more stable windowed mode.

O-K... however, FS notes

Included with the game is a very handy benchmarking tool with two tests, each with its own applications. The “Fixed” benchmark renders the same scene every time and is useful for comparing results with other systems. However, it’s not indicative of in-game performance, but that’s where the “Variable” test comes in. This one takes about 5 minutes and demonstrates 4 different gameplay situations with AI controlling both Chris and Sheva. Using the results shown at the end, you should be able to make an educated decision as to what settings to play on.

When the game launcher loads, you are given a choice between DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 versions of the executable. The two are virtually identical, both visually and performance-wise. Officially, the only reason to run DX10 is that it’s required for NVIDIA’s 3D Vision, which is a moot point for the vast majority of you. As such, you can skip to the next section, but if you’re curious…

RE5 is built from the ground up for 3D, and it shows. While other games are compatible to varying degrees, this one is meant to work perfectly with it. 3D Vision is in no way required to enjoy the visuals, but it does make a difference in immersion that you have to see to believe. The performance hit is not what you’d expect either, at only about 30%. This is certainly acceptable when you consider the added cost and where it should lie on your list of priorities. Meaning, if you’re spending the extra green on a 3D setup, you probably have the beefy rig to make it shine.

Be on the lookout for a dedicated 3D Vision performance and impressions article shortly.

My bold. Noted earlier, Mr. T, is that

In order to maintain a fluid framerate throughout 3D rendering, the process requires a true 120Hz refresh rate – basically, 60Hz for each eye. At the moment, few displays support this; only two LCD computer monitors are listed as compatible on the NVIDIA website. To try out the setup, I was provided the 22” Samsung 2233RZ, which has actually made a noticeable difference outside of 3D compatibility. A higher refresh rate means a higher effective framerate in 2D games and I could swear I even saw a difference in Windows Aero, with something as simple as moving a window around the desktop looking so much smoother.

...and while not as bad as RE4 for controls,

As the game’s native control scheme, I found the controller to be better than the improved keyboard/mouse mechanics. Sure, you have a lot easier time aiming with the mouse, and more hotkeys could come in handy, but otherwise it’s a bit awkward. It’s obvious that Capcom has put a lot of effort into making a third-person shooter work on a gamepad, refining the controls introduced in RE4. For example, I use control type D, which isn’t unlike how a console FPS is controlled, allowing you to strafe and use the trigger to fire. A very cool feature is the dynamic switching between a gamepad and keyboard/mouse. Simply using one or the other instantly changes the control scheme and on-screen prompts without having to open the menu.

Somehow I have a hard time believing most PC games, particularly shooters, can't improve on console controls, however good, as long as the controls are assignable. Mouse aim alone is usually enough. Capcom tries for once, but perhaps falls short.