'Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin' Xbox One And PS4 Versions Run At 1080p, 60fps

Fans of the "Dark Souls" franchise finally have some frame of reference between the apparent graphical improvements to the upcoming "Scholar of the First Sin," or SotFS, update to "Dark Souls 2." The confused souls can now find recourse in a newly released video comparing the eye candy improvement of the update vis-à-vis the plain vanilla last-gen version. Furthermore, the video confirms that SotFS runs in full HD (1080p) with a smooth frame rate of 60fps.

The video released by IGN showcases a side-by-side comparison of the PC, PS4 and PS3 versions. However, Xbox One owners wondering whether they are going to get the same visual quality can be rest assured. IGN has also confirmed that the Xbox One version will be graphically similar to the PS4 one, running at 1080p with frame rate of 60fps.

If you take a look at the comparison video embedded below, you'll notice that the PS4 version of "Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin" looks better than both the PS3 and PC versions. Much of PS4's graphical goodness comes from "upgraded lighting effects and cinematic filters," according to the PlayStation blog.

However, the most significant difference between the PS4 and PS3 versions isn't quite obvious to the naked eye. The extra 30fps advantage that the PS4 release enjoys over the original PS3 version makes a profound difference to the overall gameplay experience. Smooth animations lead to better control, which in turn is of utmost importance in a game as difficult and timing-reliant as "Dark Souls 2." Before you get too kicked about the feature, it should be known that the PS4 is a tad too late to the 60fps party, as the PC version shipped with 60fps functionality on day one.

It must be noted that the PC version of "Dark Souls 2" compared in the video isn't the upgraded SotFS version. It is, in fact, the plain vanilla DirectX 9 version that was released months after the original console debut of the game. The upcoming PC update will feature a reworked graphics engine based on the improved DirectX 11 API. That should give it the same, or perhaps even better, degree of eye candy compared with the PS4 version showcased in the video.

The improvements to "Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin" aren't restricted solely to graphics. The additional memory found on the next-gen consoles has allowed From Software to make the enemies even more aggressive. The undead foes are now even more resolute in following players around the map. They can even breach fog gates in pursuit, which wasn't the case in the original release.

The multiplayer component has been updated to allow up to six concurrent players. This should spice up the ultra-competitive PvP mode, especially now that players can summon more friendly human helpers, while at the same time face an even increased number of hostile human invaders.

Some weapons have been tweaked, while the ones that have largely been ignored by gamers have been made easier to find. Everyone's favourite Fire Longsword, for example, has now been made less durable, thus forcing gamers to seek out other weapons. The enemy locations too have been reshuffled, which should pose an increased challenge for returning players.

"Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin" releases on April 3 for Europe and April 7 in North America for the PC as well as PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The new release bundles all existing DLCs that includes "Crown of the Sunken King," "Crown of the Old Iron King" and "Crown of the Ivory King" DLCs.

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Dark Souls 2: PS4 Graphics Comparison Preview (Credit: IGN YouTube channel)