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

[PiracyX]

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

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.

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.

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

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.

BURNOUT PARADISE

Control: Differences in control between the two versions of Burnout Paradise largely come down to preference. The game is incredibly responsive and tight with its controls. The Xbox 360 controller's triggers feel better for acceleration than the L2/R2 buttons on a Sixaxis, but really, it's a subjective point. You simply won't find any gaps between the two games here.

Graphics: As with the controls, you'll be hard-pressed to denote any significant graphical distinctions between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Burnout Paradise. EA Criterion has done a bang up job keeping the two games even visually. Both consoles squeeze out a fantastic 60 frames-per-second and the detailing on vehicles, buildings, and environment in general is superb.

Load times: Burnout Paradise begins to show favor for PlayStation 3 when clocking its loading times. Both versions require a lengthy initial boot up upon entering the disc into either console, but it's slightly longer on Xbox 360. Even more, there's a split second longer of a wait on Xbox 360 between hitting the triggers to enter an event and it actually beginning. To be certain, we're nitpicking because the game does well in keeping things seamless. But in the end, the PlayStation 3 version is just a bit snappier.

Online integration: Surprisingly, the PlayStation 3 version of Burnout Paradise leads its Xbox 360 counterpart. How is that possible given the might of Xbox Live? A cleaner interface, easier access to online features, and smoother performance online afford PlayStation 3 the edge. Dedicated servers ensure stability during multiplayer races; moreover, the game was optimized for the console, so it just runs better on it when playing online. Alex Ward, head of EA Criterion, has long touted the company's love affair with the open-ended PlayStation Network and it definitely shows.

EDGE: PlayStation 3

With controls, graphics, and loading times nearly identical between the two consoles, Burnout Paradise flips a bitch with superior online integration on PlayStation 3. It's a shock, to be sure, given the dominance of Xbox Live over online gameplay; however, dedicated servers and generally smoother online performance means the PlayStation 3 takes pole position.

CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE

Control: Whereas the Sixaxis is better suited to Assassin's Creed, the Xbox 360 controller fits perfectly with the first-person shooting of Call of Duty 4. Beyond the feel of the controller, camera movement appears smoother and faster on the Xbox 360. Even with the look sensitivity set to identical levels, the camera on PlayStation 3 moved at a rate that's a fraction slower than on Microsoft's system.

Graphics: You don't need night-vision or infrared goggles to see how gorgeous Call of Duty 4 runs on both systems. Infinity Ward clearly wanted both PS3 and Xbox 360 owners to have identical visual experiences. As such, neither version experiences framerate hiccups, and there's no substantive differences in visual quality. Your terrorist killing experience looks just as good on PlayStation 3 as it does on Xbox 360. Enjoy.

Load times: Extensive optimization by the Infinity Ward team leaves the loading times virtually identical between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. During the campaign, most loading occurs in the background of cutscenes so you don't notice it. Since the cinematics are exactly the same between the two games, we can infer that the loading times are the same or that the difference is negligible. In multiplayer, there's no discernible difference in loading times for matches.

Online integration: Impressively, there aren't that many differences between the two versions of the game when it comes to online play. Call of Duty 4 essentially plays the same on both, but it's important to note the technical differences. First, Xbox Live displays the number of players logged into the game, ala Halo 3, whereas that information isn't available on the PlayStation 3 version. Second, getting into a match takes practically no time at all on PlayStation 3 and they're remarkably stable. Peer-to-peer networking over Xbox Live can yield unstable matches, although the experience was pretty good overall. It is worth noting that patches are required before heading online with the PlayStation 3 version that aren't needed when playing on an Xbox 360.

EDGE: PlayStation 3 version

Surprised? We were. You couldn't be blamed for believing that the Xbox 360 had the upper hand with this multiplayer-dominated game thanks to Xbox Live; however, superior execution on PlayStation 3 makes it the better version. Control preferences (or friends lists) may lead you to play on Xbox 360, but you simply cannot deny that Call of Duty 4's online functionality works better on PlayStation 3. Stable, dedicated servers are preferable to peer-to-peer networking any day of the week. Since it carries all of the same features as Xbox 360, that key element gives PlayStation 3 a big boost.

DEVIL MAY CRY 4

Control: Even though it lacks the vibration of an Xbox 360 controller, there's no question the Sixaxis is better for playing Devil May Cry 4. Much of this is due to the series' history as a PlayStation 2 exclusive, so it naturally works well with the layout of the controller. The face buttons are simply easier to use for combos and the shoulder buttons, particularly R1, are superior for targeting over the right bumper on Xbox 360. In terms of responsiveness, both versions fare just fine but there's no doubt that the Sixaxis enables better control of the action.

Graphics: You'll be hard-pressed to find any significant advantage to the presentation in either the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 versions of Devil May Cry 4. Even after putting on our Coke-bottle glasses we couldn't find any substantive differences in the two games. This is definitely a surprise, mainly because the game was originally a PlayStation 3 exclusive and we expected it to out-class its Xbox 360 sibling. Instead, they're identical.

Load times: What's impressive about Devil May Cry 4 is that there are few moments when you're waiting for the game to load in either version. Capcom has done a great job of minimizing loading times within the game. Whenever you move from one area or room to the next, a black screen will flash for a second or two. On PlayStation 3 that time is cut in half, but only due to a lengthy install process when you first boot up the game. As has been reported, Devil May Cry 4 spools 5 GB of data onto your hard drive in an obscene 20+ minute install. The fact that it's mandatory makes it utterly ridiculous. Capcom went so far as to urge gamers to "grab a sandwich" to pass the time during the install. How about they make me a sandwich to make up for the wait? Absolutely no contest here: the Xbox 360 crosses the finish line before PlayStation 3 can even load it up.

Online integration: Since Devil May Cry 4 doesn't pack in multiplayer of any kind, it's all about leaderboards for tracking your end mission rankings. Both versions support them so there's no definitive advantage for one console or the other.

EDGE: PlayStation 3

Were it not for the lengthy install required on PlayStation 3, it'd be an easy choice. Devil May Cry 4 controls better on PlayStation 3, but is less of a hassle on Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 controller just can't match the feel of a Sixaxis when hacking up demons. When it comes down to it, controls trump loading times--especially in a fast-paced action game like Devil May Cry 4. PlayStation 3 eeks out a victory, but only by the slimmest of margins.

CONCLUSION

While we can't definitively name one console as having better multi-platform releases across the board, there's a clear winner among these four games: PlayStation 3 beats the Xbox 360 handily. Call of Duty 4 plays nearly the same on both systems, differing only in superior online integration on PlayStation 3. With Devil May Cry 4, the game is all-around better on PlayStation 3 (despite the horrendous installation process). Burnout Paradise emerges as decidedly better on Sony's system thanks to EA Criterion's decision to make it the leading version of the game. The exact opposite is true for Assassin's Creed where Xbox 360 beats out its PlayStation 3 counterpart visually.

Judging by what we've seen with these recent games, you may be better off picking up PlayStation 3 versions of high-profile multi-platform games for the time being. The notion that PlayStation 3 ports are inherently inferior to Xbox 360 simply doesn't hold water these days. Some games do perform worse on Sony's console--Blacksite: Area 51 has been plagued with performance issues, for instance, and The Orange Box suffers from groan-inducing load times and chugging framerates.

These issues are slowly being addressed, though, as many publishers are starting to churn out multi-platform releases with an eye for the PlayStation 3. LucasArts recently announced an initiative to make the PS3 their leading platform for development, joining a growing wave of developers seeking to improve multi-platform games heading to Sony's console. With any luck, this movement will result in better performance for all gamers, Xbox 360 and PS3 alike. For now though, just enjoy fragging terrorists, crashing cars, and slicing demons in half on your PlayStation 3.

OVERALL EDGE: PlayStation 3

gamepro.com

This article is totally biased it's not even funny.

Edited February 28, 2008 by PiracyX

[Coldgunner]

I'm pretty sure DMC4 on ps3 supports DS3?

[Ayepecks]

It does seem somewhat biased, but hey, to each his own. Everyone's going to like playing the games on one console or another. I've said all along that these minor differences aren't going to matter to people if you only have one console.

[Huleboeren]

These articles are always crap - watch HD comparisons on Gametrailers and see for yourself, is my suggestion when deciding what platform to buy a multiplatform game on

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

So many bad reporters/journo's put titles such as "Fact: xxxxxxx" or "yyyyyyyy: The truth". Then go on to write an opinion piece...

[+.Vamp Subscriber²]

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.

BURNOUT PARADISE

Control: Differences in control between the two versions of Burnout Paradise largely come down to preference. The game is incredibly responsive and tight with its controls. The Xbox 360 controller's triggers feel better for acceleration than the L2/R2 buttons on a Sixaxis, but really, it's a subjective point. You simply won't find any gaps between the two games here.

(Y) Very fair... ha.

[Huleboeren]

(Y) Very fair... ha.

I kinda agree with what they said there

No need to have multiple points of pressure on a running button when theres only 2 points

Run or not run

[+Audioboxer Subscriber²]

Who the eff cares with these titles.

They all run within the same margins of each other with minor differences. You can't expect multiplatform titles to be 1:1 replicas right to the last bone. Both platforms have vastly different hardware, so even with the best developers around, nitpickers will probably find the most minor of differences.

Not worth spending hundreds of ? to get the console that is marginally better for one/two select games (in other words, don't base your choice on these titles). If you want any of these games, buy the console you wantfirst>, then consider the games.

Only time to get your panties in a twist with these comparisons is with some of the older titles like Madden? was it, than ran at 30FPS instead of 60FPS.

The article isn't necessarily flamebait or anything, of course people are going to compare multiplatform titles, im just saying don't let it weigh you down when we're considering games that on a reasonable comparison, run pretty much 1:1.

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

I have actually played all 4 games on each console (I am a proud multi platform owner), and I honestly agree with most of what they are saying, so it is really funny to even see the word biased being used when what I am reading pretty much is indeed fact if you actually take the time to play each game on each system. And the other points that are more opinion based, are all actually very valid.

COD4 does run better online on the PS3, no doubt about it. I never experienced lag once the entire month I played, where at least once a gaming session (1-2 hours = gaming session for me) on the 360, I experience lag or disconnects in some shape, form or fashion. Then again I prefer the controller on the 360 over the PS3's, so I will live with a little lag now and then to play it with my preffered controller and with more of my friends. But it really is not biased to say it runs better on the PS3 online, when it indeed does, the proof is in the pudding.

DMC4, also agree about the controller just feeling a bit better suited, which is why I rented it for my PS3. The initial load time though is dismal, which has been well documented, and it is beyond a joke. Other than that, I did find it a tad more responsive on the PS3 controls, and I mean just a tad, so it is nothing major. However for once I preferred the PS3 controller as it just felt a bit better. Honestly though it is such a small thing, and it is not to say no one is going to have a better experience on other console.

Burnout Paradise is the only one I am not convinced either way there is a better version, I happen to think they are more or less identical. And if I had to give an edge, it would be to the 360 for Achievements and the ability to play a custom soundtrack, that is it.

And I also agree overall Assasins Creed is better on the 360. For all of the reasons stated. Better graphics, less slow down, etc.

So I find it really truly interesting people are claiming bias when I personally am more or less reading is a comparison that actually is pretty dead on.

And FTR, the reason I get to play both versions of all of these games is two fold. One, when my 360 last died, I then rented COD4 for my PS3. So I played that a lot. My brother in law also only owns a PS3, so I rent games for him through GameFly so he can then buy them at a reduced rate, or just so he can play them for a few weeks. So this is how I played both Assasins Creed and Burnout Paradise on each system, both of which I played at least 2 hours on each system at some point. DMC4 I am basing my opinion on playing the demo on both systems twice on both systems. So that is definetely more opinion about feeling the controller just feels better, although I do believe there is a bit of actual fact thrown in there as well, as the game is just better suited for the Six Axis controls. Hard to really explain until you try it yourself.

At the end of the day you are going to have virtually an indentical experience with all 4 of these games. Well let me change that to 3, as I do believe AC has a much better experience overall on the 360.

[Kushan]

Yeah this is wildly biased and comes down mostly to personal preference. I had absolutely no trouble playing DMC4 with the 360 controller, nor did I have any trouble playing Assassin's creed with it. Hell, if you're going to go on about how a control scheme decides which port is better, then I guess PC just wins them all.

Or not.

I think the REAL "cold, hard truth" is that both console's games are almost identical in every respect and articles like these are clutching at straws to try to find differences.

[Novaoblivion]

Shouldn't we just be happy that these games work great on both consoles? :)

[darkproteus66]

What i don't get is why compare games that run nearly identical and then put up an opinion article and label it as "fact". To get a real comparison they should have used titles that preformed at noticeably different levels a la The Orange Box. Or better yet compared exclusives, because in the end if you have to choose between one and the other you're not going to be swayed by third party cross platform games that everybody has.

Anyways we all know that the PC is better than consoles for shooters and at the end of the day isn't that all that really matters?

[+Audioboxer Subscriber²]

Shouldn't we just be happy that these games work great on both consoles? :)

Yes we should, like I said in my post above with titles that are pretty much 1:1 there is little point running around screaming which is better.

As I said though fair enough, comparisons will always be done, but unless there are huge gaps in quality, it really is minor points - Nothing worth basing a console purchase over, if you're on the fence for example.

Minus AC though, I forgot when I made my first reply it had a lot of issues on the PS3 at first - Are they cleared up now though?

What i don't get is why compare games that run nearly identical and then put up an opinion article and label it as "fact". To get a real comparison they should have used titles that preformed at noticeably different levels a la The Orange Box. Or better yet compared exclusives, because in the end if you have to choose between one and the other you're not going to be swayed by third party cross platform games that everybody has.

Anyways we all know that the PC is better than consoles for shooters and at the end of the day isn't that all that really matters?

Yeah totally, people only play FPS games - I forgot that...

[etempest]

These articles are always crap - watch HD comparisons on Gametrailers and see for yourself, is my suggestion when deciding what platform to buy a multiplatform game on

The Ps3 "default" setting which GT uses does not include several settings that make games look much better (if your tv supports it).

PS3 specifically has HDMI full color, and super white off by default (not all tv's support it).

My person feeling is both system should be hooked to a tv that supports there features and all the settings should be turned on that relate to making it look better. That way the comparison would be "same tv" that supports all the advanced features.

There will always setup's that don't run optimal.

Edited February 28, 2008 by jstillion

[+.Vamp Subscriber²]

I kinda agree with what they said there

No need to have multiple points of pressure on a running button when theres only 2 points

Run or not run

I'm not arguing with that point though. I'm saying that they say "Oh in this game, the PS3 has a slightly easier button to push to run, so it's miles better! But in this other game, the 360's button is loads better for acceleration with your car than the PS3's, but it's subjective really so it's pretty even!"

Which is complete bias bull****

[+Audioboxer Subscriber²]

The Ps3 "default" setting which GT uses does not include several settings that make games look much better (if your tv supports it).

My person feeling is both system should be hooked to a tv that supports there features and all the settings should be turned on that relate to making it look better.

I know you're talking about RGB full...

"Dangerous" setting, many HDTVs WILL accept the change, but they crush your blacks.

What does that mean? In areas where you should see various shades of black, for example a shadow, or a corner of a room where you can see some things, but not others, will be JET BLACK. Meaning you can't see any detail at all.

Instead of that corner in the room being dark, but you can still make out a chair, a pot or even a person, with RGB full on a display that doesn't support it you won't see anything - Just completely black.

A good example is with the Warhawk menu that shows when you hover over the icon on the XMB - The one with the plane. Keep your display on limited and look at it, in the corners you can make out other people and planes. Put RGB full on, and if it's crushing your blacks, you won't see any of the details above. It will just be black. I might go do a photo comparison...

I have a Bravia KDL40V3000 and limited range with a PROPER calibrated display works best. Don't just chuck on RGB full and think because your contrast looks deeper, and the XMB looks better, you're actually benefiting.

Take the time to calibrate your TV properly, and you shouldn't need RGB full at all, even if your TV supports it.

RGB full is primarly for MONITORS, not HDTVs, and only a few HDTVs will actually support it without crushing blacks.

Same with the 360's settings, I forget what they all are, standard, intermediate, extended? I keep to standard and just calibrate the display properly.

[PiracyX]

Two out of those 4 games were developed on the PS3 and then ported over (DMC4 and Burnout Paradise) so hence they should be better anyway.

We all know COD4 was very well developed for both PS3 & X360 and they are the same with no difference, just personal opinion on the online section.

The same for DMC4, everything was the same even thought it was made originally for PS3, so they said the PS3 was better using the Sixaxis....COD4 plays better on X360 based on the X360 Controller but it still managed to say the PS3 was superior (I have played COD4 on PS3) but of course it plays even better on PC!

They really should of included other games into this debate such as The Orange Box, and Madden 08 because things would have been more interesting, but knowing gamepro, they would more likely spin it in PS3 favour.

I like both consoles personally even though i don't own a PS3 yet, but i am getting sick of these "articles" when they are no more than someone's personal opinion.

[darkproteus66]

Yeah totally, people only play FPS games - I forgot that...

It was a joke. To be completely honest I am a recovering xbox fan boy who recently started playing PS3 and PC games and i gotta say I'm console agnostic now. Each system has great strengths and weaknesses such as the mod community on the PC, Live for the 360, or the fact that the PS3 is an open platform which allows developers to do things never before done on a home console. Honestly I wish i had the cash to buy all the consoles and think that every fan boy out there needs to stop rooting for their fave and just be excited about games and the fact that it's a great time to be a gamer and enjoy the fact that no matter which platform you choose your going to have a great experience.

Except on the wii

kidding

[+Audioboxer Subscriber²]

I know you're talking about RGB full...

"Dangerous" setting, many HDTVs WILL accept the change, but they crush your blacks.

What does that mean? In areas where you should see various shades of black, for example a shadow, or a corner of a room where you can see some things, but not others, will be JET BLACK. Meaning you can't see any detail at all.

Instead of that corner in the room being dark, but you can still make out a chair, a pot or even a person, with RGB full on a display that doesn't support it you won't see anything - Just completely black.

A good example is with the Warhawk menu that shows when you hover over the icon on the XMB - The one with the plane. Keep your display on limited and look at it, in the corners you can make out other people and planes. Put RGB full on, and if it's crushing your blacks, you won't see any of the details above. It will just be black. I might go do a photo comparison...

I have a Bravia KDL40V3000 and limited range with a PROPER calibrated display works best. Don't just chuck on RGB full and think because your contrast looks deeper, and the XMB looks better, you're actually benefiting.

Take the time to calibrate your TV properly, and you shouldn't need RGB full at all, even if your TV supports it.

RGB full is primarly for MONITORS, not HDTVs, and only a few HDTVs will actually support it without crushing blacks.

Same with the 360's settings, I forget what they all are, standard, intermediate, extended? I keep to standard and just calibrate the display properly.

Ok just to show what im saying.

Note, my TV has been properly calibrated and NO TV settings are changed in these two photos - The only thing that changes is RGB on, and RGB off.

(sorry for quality in advance, pics taken with my old digi cam for quickness)

^ Limited RGB, notice the detail seen in the darker areas.

^ RBG on, blacks are crushed, meaning less detail can be seen in the darker areas.

Now what a lot of people then end up doing is firing up their contrast/brightness settings with RGB on when they find it hard to see things - Especially in Uncharted, which takes place in the jungle with lots of shadows.

DO NOT do that. Calibrate your TV properly - If anyone wants some help/advice doing that I'll be happy to help out.

It was a joke. To be completely honest I am a recovering xbox fan boy who recently started playing PS3 and PC games and i gotta say I'm console agnostic now. Each system has great strengths and weaknesses such as the mod community on the PC, Live for the 360, or the fact that the PS3 is an open platform which allows developers to do things never before done on a home console. Honestly I wish i had the cash to buy all the consoles and think that every fan boy out there needs to stop rooting for their fave and just be excited about games and the fact that it's a great time to be a gamer and enjoy the fact that no matter which platform you choose your going to have a great experience.

Except on the wii

kidding

Fair enough ;)

It's just we do get a lot of the "pc elites" dropping into console threads often :p

[magik]

These articles are always crap - watch HD comparisons on Gametrailers and see for yourself, is my suggestion when deciding what platform to buy a multiplatform game on

+1 there.

All four of these games are great and the differences are negligible from what I have experienced. You really can't make a 'wrong' decision here on either console.

@Audioboxer: I'm curious as to how you calibrated your TV. I used one of those walkthrough calibration DVDs (DVD Essentials or something, I forget the name). It seemed kind of dated so perhaps there is a more up to date method of calibrating...

[darkproteus66]

Ha ha I understand that. No in all honesty I've only really started gaming on the PC seriously a few months ago after upgrading and re hauling the guts of my desktop and to be honest it is a great experience and would recommend trying PC gaming to anybody who has the cash to plunk down on a new graphics card and all that jazz, but to be fair I only really use my PC for Team Fortress 2, UT3, and Star Craft everything else I do on one of my many many consoles.

[+Mystic MVC]

Two out of those 4 games were developed on the PS3 and then ported over (DMC4 and Burnout Paradise) so hence they should be better anyway.

We all know COD4 was very well developed for both PS3 & X360 and they are the same with no difference, just personal opinion on the online section.

Great post, really have to agree right there, but the 360 versions aren't far behind which I think is pretty good for ports.

I have to disagree with the COD one though. I don't have any laggy games although I might have a host disconnection once and while, you can't just completely ignore the XBL's factor in that one.

[Ricardo Gil]

Well I'm more into playing "offline" with friends in the same room, so these games are like identical to me on both platforms, the online component just doesn't matter to me.

I say these ports are almost as good as you can get between such different platforms.

[+Audioboxer Subscriber²]

+1 there.

All four of these games are great and the differences are negligible from what I have experienced. You really can't make a 'wrong' decision here on either console.

@Audioboxer: I'm curious as to how you calibrated your TV. I used one of those walkthrough calibration DVDs (DVD Essentials or something, I forget the name). It seemed kind of dated so perhaps there is a more up to date method of calibrating...

You've probably noticed, but I started a topic on the issue here - https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=622671

There's two websites listed in that topic that are great for calibration settings.

As for the DVD you used, that is still widely used. DVE (Digital Video Essentials) and there's a few others.

[SnowRanger13]

With multi platform games often you'll see it better on one system over another, but the differences are so small now. With the latest development tools for PS3 and 360 it's getting a lot easier to do a port then it use to be.

So it really doesn't matter witch one you get games on for the most part. Some games like Rainbow Six Vegas 2 I'll be getting 360 because I have more friends that are getting it on 360.