Overall, the game does appear to have been downgraded visually. Without being hyperbolic, it does look like a last-gen (PS3/ 360) game, with with improved AA, draw distance and more pedestrians on screen. I am aware that an Ubisoft employee has hinted at this recently. It really isn't all that impressive and isn't close the reveal gameplay footage or even current footage we've seen. I don't know what decisions or issues led to this, but the game is significantly downgraded in regards to graphics, especially in the day time. Sunset and night look much better. Lighting effects and reflections (both real time and pre-baked) are more noticeable and slightly improved over how things look in direct sunlight. Overall, everything is washed out and the textures are blurry too.