is the performance on HZD really that bad? Is it so bad that it's unplayable?
I don't even think performance is that terrible if you are willing to turn down certain settings. But there are two problems that I'd describe as severe:
1. ) Constant, regular stutters. That would be the game unplayable for me.
2. ) Some cards seem to be under performing, like the GTX 1060 (in dictators video about the game). You'd think it's an Nvidia Maxwell architecture problem or drivers, but the biggest Nvidia Maxwell GPU, the GTX 1080Ti, seems to be doing fine (relative to its competition):
Death Stranding, 1080p, ultra:
1080Ti : 130.6 FPS
2070S: 127.8 FPS
5700XT OC: 140 FPS
Vega VII: 125.9
HZD, 1080p, ultra:
1080Ti: 49.4FPS
2070S: 50.6 FPS
5700XT OC: 50.4 FPS
Vega VII: 43.4 FPS
All those cards are expected to perform "similar"
And to proof that it's not an isolated Nvidia problem, let's take a look at AMD Vega performance in HZD and Death Stranding:
DS 1080p, ultra
RX 590: 71.5 FPS
Vega 64: 109.8FPS
HZD 1080p, ultra
RX 590: 27.8 FPS
Vega 64: 28.3 FPS
FPS are from PCGH.de
But with variable refresh rates isn't the 60ish still great?
VRR tech makes sub 60 usable, but the stutters Dictator demonstrated (and the devs acknowledged) are not happening because fps and refresh rate are running out of sync. They are small pauses and VRR can't help with that.