Deathloop’s release date is finally right around the corner following a three-month delay that pushed the game’s release to September 14. Despite Microsoft’s acquisition of Zenimax studios, Deathloop is a PlayStation console exclusive upon release, which is bad news for Xbox fans. However, Deathloop’s PlayStation and PC exclusivity is only temporary, with the agreement running out exactly one year after the game’s release.
Deathloop is expected to be released on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S once the PlayStation exclusivity agreement runs out, although nothing is confirmed at this point. Still, the Xbox version of Deathloop will have some troubles competing with the PlayStation 5 version of the game as things stand. Deathloop makes good use of PlayStation’s DualSense, coming up with some inventive uses of the controller’s features. While Xbox fans will surely be happy to see Deathloop eventually arrive on Xbox systems, they may be envious of some of the features PlayStation’s DualSense controller provides.
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Why is Deathloop’s use of DualSense Technology Important?
Deathloop is set to make heavy use of a number of the DualSense controller's features on the PlayStation 5 version of the game. Notable uses of adaptive triggers include a different feel for each type of weapon, with heavy weapons providing more resistance than lighter weapons. On top of this, guns can occasionally jam in Deathloop, at which point, adaptive triggers will kick in, preventing the player from pulling the trigger. Haptic feedback will also be made use of in Deathloop, with the heaviness of Colt’s footsteps corresponding to heavier vibrations in the controller. The DualSense controller also has a built-in speaker, which the next-gen immersion trailer highlighted by showing radio chatter coming through the controller.
These DualSense features will help the game to remain feeling fresh, as each weapon and type of movement will provide a unique feel in terms of controller feedback. These features will also be a great way to immerse players in the experience of Deathloop. Rather than just feeling as though players are selecting the correct inputs, players will receive real-time feedback from their actions. One of the key examples of this comes through the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers kicking in when Colt’s gun jams. Instead of spamming the trigger in panic, the player will have to wait for Colt to clear the jam before they are able to attempt to fire their weapon once more. Although a fairly minor feature, the use of adaptive triggers here helps the player to feel a connection to what’s unfolding on screen.
Will Deathloop be Better on PlayStation?
DualSense is a key advantage the PlayStation 5 has over both the Xbox Series X and S consoles. At the console’s launch, many PlayStation gamers flocked to games such as Astro’s Playroom to test out the new controller’s features. While the game serves as a tech demo for the console’s new controller, fans were enthusiastic about the title because of how unique the experience was. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart was also praised for its use of DualSense technology. The game utilizes DualSense technology to try to make each weapon feel unique and give it its own personality. Fans have attested to the uniqueness of playing Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart with the DualSense controller, so it seems as though the game was successful in this regard.
With the Xbox Series X and S versions of the game launching without the the DualSense features, the experience may be a notable step down. It seems that for the PlayStation 5 version of Deathloop, DualSense technology is a key feature, which will provide a true next-gen experience. Microsoft, it seems, is aware of the popularity of the DualSense and has teased the possibility of an Xbox controller making use of DualSense technology. Given the unique exclusivity situation of the Microsoft-owned Deathloop, it may be a good idea for Microsoft to release an updated version of the Xbox controller prior to its arrival on Xbox systems. If Deathloop releases on Xbox without the features present in the PS5 version of the game, it will be put at quite a disadvantage.
Deathloop launches on September 14 for PC and PS5.
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