UE5 - Matrix Tech Demo

[Scaff]

Next gen consoles can download an utterly stunning tech demo based around the Matrix, given it was put together by a small team its a compelling look at what they are actually capable of once we get past the current trend of cross-gen nonsense.

Honestly youtube doesn't get close to putting across how good it is on a big 4k screen.

 

[ImaRobot]

It was hard to differentiate the CGI actors and actual actors at first in the intro. I think they would transition in and out, which lead to the initial confusion lol. It was really interesting though.

 

[5thwheel]

put together by a small team its a compelling look at what they are actually capable of once we get past the current trend of cross-gen nonsense.

"The project was huge, it was started over a year ago and involved somewhere between 60 and 100 artists, many working remotely."

The Matrix is Unreal - fxguide

A Tech look behind the incredible Matrix UE5 Experience

www.fxguide.com

Anyway I'd like to play around with their sandbox - now where to find that unobtainium that is a PS5 disc edition at retail price...

 

[Scaff]

"The project was huge, it was started over a year ago and involved somewhere between 60 and 100 artists, many working remotely."

The Matrix is Unreal - fxguide

A Tech look behind the incredible Matrix UE5 Experience

www.fxguide.com

My bad, I'd read somewhere that it was a small team, I suspect that's down to context. It's 'small' for the team that developed UE5 as a whole, but not small by any normal standard.

Still that's medium to lareg studio size and most likely without a full middleware kit in place, so still impressive in a year and a bit.

Anyway I'd like to play around with their sandbox - now where to find that unobtainium that is a PS5 disc edition at retail price...

I was fortunate enough to pick a digital PS5 up earlier in the year, but it was more luck than anything else.

 

[VXR]

I was really impressed by their digital exhibition based on Radiohead's Kid A and Amnesia albums, but what I've just read about this experience is so far beyond. Incredible. Can't wait to walk around and drive in that open world section.

 

[Scaff]

I was really impressed by their digital exhibition based on Radiohead's Kid A and Amnesia albums, but what I've just read about this experience is so far beyond. Incredible. Can't wait to walk around and drive in that open world section.

Agreed, the Radiohead experience is great, but from a technical point, this is amazing.

 

[Veinz]

Just finished exploring the city for a bit, it’s super impressive to say to least. The textures and lighting looked great, but the density of the city is what impressed me the most. I also smashed up a crown vic and the damage looked pretty good.

I would definitely buy an open world Matrix game like this.

 

[5thwheel]

My bad, I'd read somewhere that it was a small team, I suspect that's down to context. It's 'small' for the team that developed UE5 as a whole, but not small by any normal standard.

Still that's medium to lareg studio size and most likely without a full middleware kit in place, so still impressive in a year and a bit.


I was fortunate enough to pick a digital PS5 up earlier in the year, but it was more luck than anything else.

It is an impressive looking result for sure. But it's a really large art team if those are all Epic employees (which would be the question). I don't think any mid sized studio could throw this many bodies at a project unless for full-on production and the house being on fire - but of course Epic is just filthy rich these days and apparently can just assign a team that size for what seems to be little more than a vertical slice as far a as an actual game goes.
Well, they seem to be spending their money wisely to say the least, judging by the result.

Not going to check out the new Matrix flick though, no Sir, they can keep their geriatric Keanu and Carrie. I'll keep pretending there was only one flick.

 

[Wolfe]

You know what really impressed me about this, actually? The combined effect of the overall quality with videogame-style cutscene direction. This is easier on the eyes and more vivid than modern Hollywood CG and cinematography -- in real time! -- and the quality of the actors' animations really sold it.

Otherwise, it honestly just looks like a videogame with really nice materials. Though like @Scaff pointed out, we're at a point where a live render is twice as impressive as compressed video.

 

[kjb]

Is the demo still available for download?

 

[Scaff]

Is the demo still available for download?

Yep

 

[kjb]

I just downloaded it from the PS app. I will check it out later today

 

[Veinz]

It’s 25.31 gigs which seems like a lot to me. I wonder how many gigs this would be if it was a full game.

 

[Scaff]

It’s 25.31 gigs which seems like a lot to me. I wonder how many gigs this would be if it was a full game.

The free roam City is rather big

 

[35mm]

Came here to talk about this.

It is truly jaw-dropping. What impressed me the most (besides the overall ultra realistic looks) was how solid the whole city looks, especially when you use the flying option. You go from super detailed close-up objects to flying altitudes with zero pop-up or any major artifacts.

Spent a couple of hours around the place and took some photos:

Spoiler: Parte I

Spoiler: Parte II

Spoiler: Parte III

Also, Digital Foundry's latest video is very interesting and explains what's what in the beginning of the demo.

 

[Alex p.]

Tried it yesterday on my PS5. Well, it's extremely impressive to me. Truely next-gen. Finally.