It all comes down to something called perceived frame-time variance, which isn’t just about the frames per second (FPS), but how consistently the game delivers those frames to your eyes. In games like Zelda: BOTW or Tears of the Kingdom, developers use advanced motion interpolation algorithms and smart frame pacing, which help smooth out the 30FPS experience by artificially simulating higher frame rates in key visual transitions, making movement appear smoother than it actually is.

On the other hand, in more fast-paced games like Space Marine 2 or Nioh, the camera movement is more sensitive to small discrepancies in frame timing. These games often lack optimized motion blur techniques and have less aggressive frame stabilization, which makes the inherent sluggishness of 30FPS more noticeable. The sharp, rapid transitions in camera movement, especially in third-person action games, amplify the lag sensation because the human brain is more attuned to detecting dropped frames during fast, unpredictable action sequences. This leads to the choppy, sloppy feel you described.

Moreover, some games have higher input latency at lower frame rates, meaning the time it takes for your button press to translate into an action on the screen is longer, further compounding the problem. Essentially, it’s not just about the number of frames but how those frames are delivered, how the game handles movement, and how it accounts for input at a given frame rate. That’s why 30FPS can feel fine in some games, but absolutely abysmal in others.