World in Conflict Review + Interview

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/world_in_conflict_beta_performance/default.asp

They've done a review of World in Conflict. Interesting points include the fact that all DX10 effects they chose to implement could in theory be done in DX9 although with reduced quality and performance. In the current beta the reviewers note the 2 paths are nearly identical visually, but Massive said the distinction should be more clear in the final version.

In terms of DX10, Massive recommends getting a high-end DX10 GPU with 512MB+ if you want to run that path since the DX10 path is there for premium effects. Currently the DX10 path is quite a bit slower than the DX9 path on the 8800 series and Massive's ultimate goal is to achieve speed parity with DX9.

In actual performance, a 8800GTS 320MB achieves 33fps at 1280x1024 in the DX9 codepath. DX10 is 30% slower for this card. When Massive eventually matches DX10 performance to DX9, the 8800GTS will be basically be the minimum to run DX10 comfortably and they recommend everyone else run DX9. FiringSquad does say that a 7600 level card running at lower settings, obviously, still looks good and plays well, so that's reassuring.