Hello everyone! I have taken it upon myself to make some noise about the extremely underwhelming PS4 version of this wonderful game. Under this beginning paragraph I will list the most pressing issues concerning the console release of Genshin Impact. If you believe I’m missing something, feel free to write it in the comments, and I will add it to the list some day.
Before I begin, I would like to mention a few thing:
I am currently on AR47, figure out how much time I have spent with this unoptimized mess...
The support team replied once to an in-game feedback of mine, though it felt generic. In it, they said that Mihoyo is “constantly working on optimizing the console experience.” But do they...?
I really do love this game. I have even spent money on it. The sole reason why I’m writing this and complaining, is to see this game at it’s best.
— FPS ISSUES
Let’s begin with the most glaring problem. The frame rate on console is absolutely horrendous. Usually sitting comfortably between 5-20FPS. Ever since beta testing, the PS4 release barely hits 30FPS. Other than standing still in the over-world, just about anything causes frames to plummet: attacking, using skills, switching party members, dodging, running, gliding, entering cities, talking to NPCs, picking up items and so on. I could go on, but I guess you get it. Cutscenes are usually smooth, presumably because they are pre rendered to a degree.
Some say, that the PS5 version hits a somewhat stable 60FPS, but nobody who owns a PS4 should be obligated to buy a new console to fully enjoy the game. If Mihoyo released it to PS4, it should run well on it, case and point.
— STABILITY ISSUES
Let’s start with how loading times are laughably slow. The PC and Mobile platforms load 2x or even 3x faster (though this comparison might seem baseless).
Freezes and crashes have become DAILY casualties in my experience. Selecting a waypoint only for the game to crash and then waiting for the game to load again from the main menu (which often takes OVER 2 MINUTES) kills all fun and infuriates me to the point of me ending my session then and there.
— CONTROL ISSUES
Though using the PS4 controller is not all that awful, having keyboard support would seem obvious for a game already perfectly optimized for PC. The in game camera rarely cooperates and aiming is frustrating.
— UI ISSUES
Being forced to use the left analog stick instead of the directional buttons on any menu screen is horrendously imprecise. The frame-rate issues absolutely pike for me in the menus: the simple action of navigating from the gadgets to the food pocket in the inventory brings the momentum of a fight to a crawl. Do not get me started on opening the archive menu, which feels like a slideshow rather than a fun way to expand your knowledge on the universe of Genshin. Truly saddening...
To continue, any consistency between menu screens is non-existent. One time you press the X button to confirm, the next you use the square or triangle. Another fun-killer is when you have to read all the instructions just to navigate the menus.
— MULTIPLAYER ISSUES
Countless memes have surfaced about the laughable online experience on PS4: getting locked out of domains, getting kicked out just as you finally load into the other player’s world, not being able to use chat properly and so on. The only “solution” is to set the game to only pair you with PS4 players, but who really wants to do that?
— OTHER ISSUES
This doesn’t quite fit anywhere else, but as a console player I just feel neglected. Perfect example would be the Slime Paradise web event. Being completely unable to participate and earn free Primos just hurts. Although Mihoyo did say they would make it available for PS4 players, at this point it feels unlikely. Makes you think, what will be the next event that completely locks out PS4 players...
Sooooo, these are my problems. What do you guys think? Feel free to add anything or tell me why I’m wrong if you feel like it ><
