Why do Switch 2 ports of RE Requiem and FF7 Remake have bad hair?

It’s always exciting to see major titles make their way to a new console, but the recent ports of Resident Evil Requiem and Final Fantasy VII Remake on Switch 2 have raised eyebrows, particularly when it comes to one striking detail: the hair. Overall, both games look impressive on the platform, showcasing vibrant worlds and fluid animation. Yet, the hair has become a focal point for criticism, and it’s hard to overlook the graphical hiccup.

These games have a reputation for their stunning visuals and intricate character designs, so the hair quality feels like a letdown. In Resident Evil Requiem, the characters’ hair lacks the realism and dynamism that fans expect. Instead of flowing naturally, it often appears flat and less detailed, almost as if it has been lifted from a previous generation of graphics. This disconnect between the rest of the visuals and the hair is jarring, especially given the series’ long history of pushing technical boundaries.

Final Fantasy VII Remake faces a similar issue. While the overall artistic direction remains intact and the world of Midgar is rendered beautifully, the hair struggles to keep up. Characters like Tifa and Aerith, known for their iconic hairstyles, seem to be missing that signature flair. The absence of fine details and individual strands makes their hair look more like a composite model rather than the carefully crafted designs we know so well.

The question that many gamers are asking is, why this oversight? It’s possible that the developers had to make compromises to ensure these ambitious games could run smoothly on the Switch 2. Given the hybrid nature of the console, performance often takes precedence, and hair technology in particular can be resource-heavy. This may have led to a simplified approach to how hair is rendered, sacrificing detail for overall performance.

Even with these concerns, it’s important to remember that these ports still deliver engaging gameplay and immersive experiences. They serve as a testament to the growth of the Switch 2, but gamers can’t help but wish for that extra polish, especially when these characters have such a beloved legacy. As the gaming community continues to adapt to this new era of portable consoles, it will be fascinating to see how developers tackle these challenges moving forward.

Source: polygon.com