Rez HD Standard Mode is 4:3

by Xav de Matos { Feb 6th 2008 at 12:00PM }

Keen observers on the official Rez HD forums are up in arms about the output of Rez's standard mode on Xbox Live Arcade. Instead of scaling the game to widescreen, the title outputs its standard signal to a 4:3 aspect ratio. While some are calling it the biggest meh of the year by saying the Standard Mode is supposed to output as 4:3, forum comments reminded us that Rez always scaled to fullscreen on the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2. The worst offender seems to be playing Rez on a standard definition television where black bars are visible around the entire image. This may or may not be big issue but we all remember that some people really care about those missing pixels. We'd be wondering what happened too but we're a little busy taping multiple controllers to our bodies.

[ThatGameCalledRez.com forums. Image via flickr user Pryii]

Tags: aspect-ratio, missing-pixels, rez, rez-hd, xbla, xbox-live-arcade

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

mattclarkie @ Feb 6th 2008 12:08PM

I assume as it is called Rez HD, it must be able to output in 720p/1080i, or they couldn't call it Rez HD, that and MS demand it.

Gemini Ace @ Feb 6th 2008 12:13PM

Rez sucks. Just sayin'.

terrence @ Feb 6th 2008 12:24PM

You are incorrect Sir.

To the first comment: I would guess that it will output in HD if you have a TV that supports its, otehrwise why call it Rez HD? Maybe if you're using it with an SD TV this happens...

The post isn't very clear about it... I'll click what should be the READ link to check it out in-depth.

Also, why is this "Filed Under: Deals and Bargains?"

Gemini Ace @ Feb 6th 2008 12:36PM

Am I incorrect, or am I so correct that you can't even see how correct I am?

terrence @ Feb 6th 2008 12:38PM

the former

violenceinhd @ Feb 6th 2008 1:57PM

If you think Rez sucks, gb2 halo

Gemini Ace @ Feb 6th 2008 6:46PM

I think Rez sucks because there's no challenge.

Xav de Matos @ Feb 6th 2008 12:28PM

Yeah I filed this one wrong. Fixed.

As for the HD thing. Rez HD comes with 2 versions. The original standard definition version and the HD upgrade.

The gripe people have is with the Standard Edition, which is what is outlined in the story above.

HD version is fine.
SD version is borked.

thisguyrighthere @ Feb 6th 2008 12:35PM

They're upset because Standard doesn't stretch to fit widescreen? Can you get a non-HD widescreen TV?

It certainly is one big Meh. Sonic the Hedgehog fit my whole screen on the Genesis yet the arcade version does not. It's the same stupid gripe.

"Instead of scaling the game to widescreen, the title outputs its standard signal to a 4:3 aspect ratio."

terrence @ Feb 6th 2008 12:41PM

my post below was supposed to be in reply to yours. . . oops. . . but yeah that sentence you quoted does make things a bit confusing, the issue becomes clear when you read the thread in what is usually the READ link.

terrence @ Feb 6th 2008 12:36PM

Yeah, the problem only appears with a Standard Def TV. And then even only if you are using the 4:3 res instead of the games full 16:9 (which is the games internal resolution).

Similar to the Bioshock problem, only reversed, (SD owners get the downside this time, not vice-versa) this should hopefully get patched out soon.

Neuromancer @ Feb 6th 2008 12:49PM

Why on earth would anyone play the SD version anyway? I had Rez on the PS2, I'm pretty sure there was no widescreen mode.

violenceinhd @ Feb 6th 2008 1:57PM

Rez fucking owns, and who the hell cares about the standard mode. To me, playing a 360 without some kind of HD output is like owning a 360 without a harddrive. What's the point at all?

Delgado @ Feb 6th 2008 2:09PM

I agree, although it does, unfortunately, make our hobby much more expensive.

I've gotten my money's worth out of it though. Buying at HDTV on Black Friday FTW.

ZombieOrgasm @ Feb 6th 2008 3:43PM

Not all of us can afford fancy new HD TVs.

Some of us have bills to pay and don't live with their parents anymore.

violenceinhd @ Feb 6th 2008 6:54PM

@ZombieDumb
VGA adapter from MS costs about $40. So instead of buying the next big letdown from Bungie or any other company, go out and get the adapter and enjoy HD on your current games, how they're MEANT to be played.

Cerixus @ Feb 6th 2008 1:56PM

"Sir, here is your supermodel and your frumpy nanny, you can play with either of them, but not at the same time"

"Hey, this nanny isn't frumpy, she's just dull and unfashionable! What a ripoff!"

^What is wrong with this picture?

Meh.

J @ Feb 6th 2008 2:08PM

I've only made it to the frustrating end of the 3rd stage, so far, but I'm concerned that there are really only 4 stages. Is this true? Is the game really this short, or does more open up?

Pyrii @ Feb 6th 2008 2:55PM

There's 5 main stages, but the 5th stage is really worth it, Adam Freeland's "Fear" is an awesome song for this stage, then you can unlock Direct Assault, take the entire game on in one go, Lost Area is an extra stage for you to overcome, trancemission where you can relax and trip out, boss rush to do all the bosses in one go.

Pyrii @ Feb 6th 2008 2:37PM

Wait, Wait, Wait... My messy desk makes it onto the front page of X3F? Blimey...

Pyrii @ Feb 6th 2008 2:40PM

Anyways, I only made the pictures to illustrate the point people were trying to get across because some people weren't getting it. Personally, I prefer HD mode, but the nostalgia of SD mode is hard to resist sometimes.

But my main worry and reason for taking the pictures and slightly outrage is that this is happening far too often, games companies are forgetting that not everyone has widescreen TVs or even have Hi-Def and we've seen games unplayable in standard Def and leaving 4:3 screens as an oversight. This behaviour needs curbing.