The PS3 to PS4 versions aren't just higher resolution. The only such PS3 version I am aware of that has been done so far is Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. It has better textures and a new Lara model with the TressFX hair and skin that better reflects water/sweat.

OK...but that's essentially what I'm saying. PS2 to PS3 was a big step going from SD to HD. PS3 to PS4 isn't going to have that same effect. Like you just said, nothing changed with Tomb Raider, it just looks better. I don't think anyone was really clamoring for a new Lara model.

Eh. I'm not sure I agree with that. There were plenty of games released on the PS3 that could have used AA, better detail or better framerates.

But this argument happened last generation too with the Xbox -> Xbox 360, which was not-so-lovingly referred to as the Xbox 1.5 until Gears of War was released. All I really hope for this gen are cleaner graphics and more stable (not necessarily higher) frame rates. But I do agree it won't be as huge of a jump, and we're at the point now where upscaling an old game simply isn't going to cut it, model improvements (both character and surroundings) are a must. Not model changing like they did in Tomb Raider mind you, that was just silly.

But your SD to HD PS2 to PS3 ports are exactly the same... Nothing changed, it just looked better...

Better textures, models, lighting, particle effects, etc are just as big of a graphical leap as upping the resolution is. More so probably, because not everyone sees a difference between 720p and 1080p, but better textures are much more obvious.


The different Lara face was stupid, but the other added things such as TressFX hair and more realistic skin that better reflects sweat are great.

Digital Foundry upscaled some PS3 games using their current assets. Look better than I figured



The other two screenshots are way more obviously PS3 graphics upscaled: