PS3 vs. Xbox 360 ports: The cold, hard truth *UPDATED

GamePro examines four recent multi-platform titles to find out if the "Xbox 360 is better." UPDATE: Microsoft issues a rebuttal to our findings...read on for the full text.

*UPDATE: In response to this article, Microsoft's global marketing director, Albert Penello, offered the following response to GamePro.

We have to disagree with your conclusion that the trend of Xbox 360 versions of games being best is changing, especially when you look at the entire catalog of multiplatform titles available. We also feel there were some key features of Xbox 360 games that deserved a little more play in your reviews. For multiplatform console owners, Achievements and Gamerscore have to be listed as an influencing factor to purchase the Xbox 360 version; their success and popularity is undeniable. The fact that other consoles have not implemented anything like this across every game should not be a reason to leave these features out of consideration. Plus, with Xbox 360 the capability for controller rumble comes standard, not as a future option and you get all the benefits of Xbox LIVE and its community of more than 10 million members.

"The cold, hard truth" is that Xbox 360 has the best games - and industry reviewers and consumers agree. Xbox 360 has more games with an aggregate review score of 90 or higher than the competition combined and multiplatform titles regularly sell better on Xbox 360. The majority of games are still lead developed for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE simply makes games better. The competition between platforms is great for gamers and in 2008 we are going to continue to work with developers to push the boundaries of our platform and the LIVE service to make sure the best game experiences continue to be on Xbox 360.


Author Tracy Erickson offers his side:

"Albert touches upon a great point in mentioning Achievements as a hallmark of the Xbox 360 experience. I agree with him. That said, I took that as a given--everyone knows Xbox 360 Achievements are great--and removed it from consideration. The same applies to rumble and community features included with Xbox Live.

This feature isn't about which platform is better, but which version of these four games is better. Achievements, rumble, and Xbox Live are specific to the console, not in-game features. This is why I used graphics, loading times, controls, and online integration as the criteria. I think it shows that developers have come a long way with next-gen development because all of these games are incredible. Regardless of whether you're playing on an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, you're going to have a killer time."


GamePro's original story follows:

PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360? PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360? It's hard enough deciding which console to buy, let alone worrying over which version of a multi-platform game is worth your money. Games make or break any console, but when two systems have the same game, which version do you get? For anyone who has only one console, the answer is obvious. If you've yet to pick up an Xbox 360 or PS3, or are fortunate to own both, however, that choice can be a tough one.

The common wisdom is that Xbox 360 versions are typically better than their PS3 counterparts, and this is true in part. The PlayStation 3 2006 launch lineup was choked with quickie ports that did little to tap into the system's power, and a few high-profile games (Madden 08, for one) were undeniably superior on the Xbox 360. But as you'll soon see, that trend is changing...and fast.

By picking apart four recent, triple-A multi-platform games--Assassin's Creed, Burnout Paradise, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and Devil May Cry 4--we're aiming to settle the contest over which console has the advantage in multi-platform releases moving forward. This is more than just gazing at screenshots--we're delving deep to discover the best controls, loading times, and online integration.

Click on the image to read our review

Click to read GamePro's review

ASSASSIN'S CREED

Control: The Xbox 360 excels with first-person shooters, but third-person action games...not so much. As such, the Sixaxis is better suited for free running about the ancient domains of Assassin's Creed. Both versions are responsive, yet the control scheme makes more sense on a Sixaxis versus an Xbox 360 controller. For example, free running is done by holding down R1 on PlayStation 3, whereas you need to pull on the right trigger when playing on an Xbox 360. Using R1 feels better than having to depress the trigger-it's an easy kill for the PlayStation 3.

Graphics: At first glance, you might not see anything that separates the two versions of Assassin's Creed visually. Both exude an impressive amount of detail in their environments and characters, along with gorgeous animations. Switching between the two on the same display, however, shows noticeably differences in the lighting and slight variations in framerate. Xbox 360 fares well under Altair's blade, boasting better lighting and a smoother performance. This isn't to say the game's a stuttering mess on PlayStation 3; on the contrary, it still looks fantastic. But you'll notice minor slowdown when moving the camera in crowded areas and the lighting isn't nearly as appealing. Overall, the Xbox 360 version just looks better.

Wii's Internet Channel has more online features than Assassin's Creed.

Wii's Internet Channel has more online features than Assassin's Creed.

Load times: Despite being an open-world game, Assassin's Creed is a hodge-podge of loading times. Booting up the game on PlayStation 3 takes longer than on Xbox 360, but loading up some levels takes noticeably longer on the latter. It's essentially a wash since both systems have a mix of short and long loading times.

Online integration: Assassin's Creed sticks stubbornly to its solo experience, offering no online features of any kind on either platform. We're going to call this one for Wii since it's the only system that allows you to read this article using the console's web browser while simultaneously playing Assassin's Creed on either PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.

EDGE: Xbox 360 version

And then there was light . . . on Xbox 360.

And then there was light . . . on Xbox 360.

Summary: If looks could kill, the PlayStation 3 version of Assassin's Creed would be dead. The Xbox 360 version emerges as the definitive version because of a superior presentation, even if just barely. The Xbox 360 isn't the ideal option for controls given better button mapping on the Sixaxis, but that doesn't prevent it from being solidly responsive. It's also worth mentioning that the PlayStation 3 version plays beautifully now thanks to a crucial patch; upon initial release, it had severe performance problems and lockups that were absent from the Xbox 360 version.

Next: Burnout Paradise

Comments [19]

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SIRKGM14vg

Just a little tidbit from a developer stand point. After speaking with a source from a know publisher, one of the dev's for a popular game explained the real difference between the consoles, and what it means to them. The PS3 is simply just too slow for testing. In comparison, you're able to load all your code onto the Xbox 360 and run straight from there. The PS3 needs to render off your PC's code stream. That doesn't have anything thing with consumer performance in the end. But it really just shows a poor SDK on Sony's end. Is that a fair argument to say Xbox 360 is better? No. Microsoft has done a "slam dunk" job of getting their consoles to developers, bringing a universal platform for development, and being able to directly identify the community. Take for instance a FPS. Microsoft can produce gaming statistics for that genre, because of the Xbox Live aspect of the console. Data recordings from users play time, preference and library on the 360 directly correlates to the numbers big developers and publishers like to see. But when it comes down to ports, on Xbox 360 and PS3 they are really the same. Wii and prior generation consoles make get a different feel or overall different engine, because major developers outsource those projects. So really does Grand Theft Auto play better on PS3 or Xbox 360. You're really debating nothing. PC-A vs. PC-B; Mercedes Vs. BMW; Coke Vs. Pepsi; all products which perform, or have the same goal but different approaches. Same species though. If I were to pick one console that I would want to stick with forever... I'd sadly go with the Xbox 360. If I could make my decision at a later time, I think PS3 has a better future. Which I know... contradicts my decision. -Moose

burnoutbob

Ok, so you bought a 360, or a PS3 (I own both, and a Wii, but we'll get to that later!). And yes, you're proud of your choice. But lets not get like Mac owners and bitch about rival systems. For a start you're clever enought to play comuter games, so you win v's a Mac owner straight off. The PS3 online system is better, the 360 has a better community, the ps3 has better loading times, no, the 360 does. Who gives a crap?! At the end of the day, whatever choice you made at the counter. Whatever console you bought, be it 360 or PS3, either way, you bought a state of the art console, with graphics far in advance of any other console ever released. Gameplay is fantastic, online play is flawless and smooth, graphics are breathtaking and the fact it's also a multimedia player, able to play all kinds of media formats makes it a damn good purchase. And above all, what you really should be proud of, what should really bring all PS3 and 360 owners together is this one simple fact. You DIDN'T BUY A Wii! You should be so proud!!

burnoutbob

Ok, so you bought a 360, or a PS3 (I own both, and a Wii, but we'll get to that later!). And yes, you're proud of your choice. But lets not get like Mac owners and bitch about rival systems. For a start you're clever enought to play comuter games, so you win v's a Mac owner straight off. The PS3 online system is better, the 360 has a better community, the ps3 has better loading times, no, the 360 does. Who gives a crap?! At the end of the day, whatever choice you made at the counter. Whatever console you bought, be it 360 or PS3, either way, you bought a state of the art console, with graphics far in advance of any other console ever released. Gameplay is fantastic, online play is flawless and smooth, graphics are breathtaking and the fact it's also a multimedia player, able to play all kinds of media formats makes it a damn good purchase. And above all, what you really should be proud of, what should really bring all PS3 and 360 owners together is this one simple fact. You DIDN'T BUY A Wii! You should be so proud!!

K9Wolf

In my opinion, the Xbox 360 is no where near as good as the Playstaion 3. I have be researching the two for 2 months trying to figure out which to buy. For the money, Playstation seems to be the better deal. I loved my PS2, and told myself I would have to try the next Xbox (because the first one wasn't that great). It seems to me that the PS3 offers way more for your buck. A blue ray player, media, free online network (Xbox charges), some pretty good games, and a controller that senses your movement. The Xbox has problems, the dreaded "Ring of Death" for example, and it offers HD DVD, but you have to buy the drive seperately, and now, HD DVD movies are hard to find because Blue Ray beat them out. I subscribe to Netflix, and they don't offer movies on HD DVD. The Xbox 360 may be cheaper, but if you ask me, it's because it doesn't offer as much as the PS3. No media card ports, a funny feeling controller, and the dreaded ring of death are reasons enough for me to avoid the Xbox. Plus, the PS3 is upgradeable, and they still make games for the PS2, which means that when the PS4 comes out, they will probably still make games for the PS3. Either way, it's a personal preference. But for me, it's the playstation that delivers more bang for your buck. After all, you get what you pay for!

fudstand12

I agree with K9Wolf and burnoutbob, but still, my first "true love" with a console was with Sony's Playstation, not to mention that the root of consoles was because of Sony's perseverance and Nintendo's gayness(google it out--how Sony proudly built the first respectful console). In the end, my buck would still go for Sony's PS3: BlueRay, upgradeable, outstanding memory...you said it. And it's a console which really earned my respect--think of it, though PS3 is already out there being all popular, Sony doesn't seize to recognize its older consoles, our PS2 specifically. But most of all, our thanks would be for all those game devs who never grow old of making outstanding games.

jololopez

I own both...and when you st your ps3 to its optimal settings-FULL RANGE HDMI...and SUPERWHITE CONTRAST...then youll see the real difference..I have multiplatformers on both systems...cuz my son uses the 360...I let him have it when I seen the vast graphical prowess of the ps3....I keep my ps3 safe and sound...its my baby...a blind person can see the difference if they look at it without being such a fanboy....My friggin grandma seen me switching between ps3 and 360 displays with the same game....like devil may cry...assasins creed...a couple racing games...etc...and she asked me why did one look so much crisper...clearer...and more colorful than the other...star wars...man the list goes on and on....I told her...grandma...your not crazy...its just ps3 is a real machine....xbox is great...but ps3 is the shiznit...game over untill MS outdoes the obvious...

One last thing-Gears of war used to be the trophy graphical powerhouse of 360...part two comes out...and the graphics looked wishy-washy...compared to what the ps3 has been doing...well...resistance baby....if gow stunned you...resistance will blow your crap stained underwear right off your butcheecks! Halo....man...that doesnt even worth mention here....that was as crappy as the 2nd one...the first was innovative...but they didnt do much more from there...graphics...crayola...ps3 graphics...silk...stay away from the red light Luke...the dark side isnt all its cracked up to be....

yourmomsdaddy

I own both consoles... have a 46 in samsung LN-T4655F and have recently updated both to HDMI with digital optical cables running from both to the receiver. I have both consoles set to there most optimal settings as far as HD... max white, 1080p etc... yada yada. Yes I have compared games for myself and here's what I came up with: The 360 has sharper 3d mapping with crisper edgy details with more of a depth. The ps3 has more of a blurred 3d blending which seems to focus more on realism rather than the deep dimensions that the 360 seems to produce. I noticed better sharper colors on each at different times than the other. Overall both systems are graphically superior to the other in one way or the other. I would just have to say it's about user preference as far as what is visually stimulating. I did however notice that on the ps3, when testing out Assassins Creed on each, the horizon on the ps3 diminished on the larger environments before that of the 360 which would lead me to believe that the 360 video card is superior in what it can handle... and yes I did get the red ring of death on my first 360... i called support... 3 days later they sent a box with a free shipping card... I sent it in and voila I had a new 360 a week later. Yes that was a pain in the arse but I don't think that problem even persists anymore unless you just have an older 1st gen 360. I myself when comparing games between the two think that the 360 is superior. But like I said I think they are both excellent consoles and it just boils down to user preference. I have played gears 1 and 2 through and am currently working on resistance 1. So far I would have to say gears is far more superior by far. I have yet to play a FPS that matches the detail and 3d layering that was put into that game.

yourmomsdaddy

Not to say resistance isn't good... it's awesome... cool storyline (which gears in my opinion lacks somewhat), clear rich graphics and fast paced gameplay, but it just doesn't measure up to the tactical gameplay and rich crisp environments in gears. I would have to agree with some of the previous comments on Halo. That is the most over rated franchise in the history of gaming. There... I said it. Sue me. All you fanboys who cried at the end of Halo 3... good fackin riddance. I'm sick to death of hearing about that stupid game. Not to say it wasn't good or worth playing but what the hell was so special? It's like the holy grail among gamers and I just don't see it. Online play you say? COD4 is way better online. Too many load screens in Halo online. COD4 in my opinion, being a fan of FPS, is the best online game ever. Now on to the online features of each... Yes you have to pay for xbox live... 50 bucks for a year. If you can't cough up 50 bucks for a year of online gameplay then you really shouldn't be spending 400-600 dollars on a game console in the first place. I still prefer xbox live anyday. While it's not rocket science to figure out either of the twos dashboard and online play I prefer the 360 over the ps3. The 360 is more user friendly and when playing COD4 online ps3 seemed to have a greater load time which is an important factor with online gaming.

yourmomsdaddy

This is where gears messed up in my opinion. Online play is shite for gears. Deathmatches are played in rounds where you get killed once and have to wait till all the other players are dead before you can respawn for another round. Not to mention the load time... bah. As far as I'm concerned the 360 is better and would be the better investment in almost every category except of course the blu-ray player. Whoopity doo dah. I bought this thing for gaming... period. My recommendation is go buy a 360 and get a blu-ray player seperately when you can afford to... and the number one thing that erked me on the ps3 is nothing was cross compatible... not even god of war... What the fack is this? While not all xbox are compatible with the 360 you can still play most of the popular titles (Lucas Arts, Halo<<<< like i care, COD etc.).. I still have both god of war titles for the ps2 and got rid of my ps2 a while ago. So when god of war 3 comes out I'm unna have to buy another ps2 so I can get caught up? Sony needs to fix this. Anyways... I own both consoles and have played both religiously.... My opinion>>>> 360 takes the cake!!

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