How To Decide On A Console For Multiplatform Games
Early on in the generation, this was a little more challenging simply because developers hadn't become familiar with the new and complex PlayStation 3. However, now that we're mostly past those dark days, the multiplatform title question has become quite clear.
So you've got both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and many times, you have the same question concerning a new release: "which version should I get?" Well, believe it or not, there's a very simple answer to this question, provided you understand how the industry tends to operate. If the game you intend to purchase was initially designed from the ground up with both consoles in mind, the end result will likely be two versions that are almost identical. Any differences at all are usually negligible for the average gamer and it might only come down to controller preference, or something like that. However, if you find that a game began its life as an exclusive project for one particular platform, it's best to simply go with that console. For instance, Bayonetta was only made with the 360 in mind at first and was then ported to the PS3 by Sega, which unsurprisingly has resulted in a lesser-quality PS3 version. Next year, Final Fantasy XIII will launch; this is a title that began development way back when with the White Engine, specifically designed with the PS3 in mind. Furthermore, with the Blu-Ray capacity that is guaranteed to be a bonus, it makes the most sense to nab the PS3 version, regardless of what the 360 fans say.
It's really not that tough. Sure, there are a few graphical differences between some multiplatform games even when they're created with multiple consoles in mind, but in all honesty, it's not typically a big deal. Assassin's Creed II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Batman: Arkham Asylum, etc.; these are multiplatform titles that aren't significantly better on either the PS3 or 360. In fact, these days, most aren't "significantly better" on one console or the other unless those responsible for making the game switched gears along the way. This may seem like common sense but you'd be surprised how many people aren't aware of the facts...
12/28/2009 9:32:16 PM Ben Dutka
Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter
Comments (69 posts)
Jawknee
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:13:38 PM
NeoHumpty
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:42:26 PM
I_defenestrate
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 5:04:20 AM
www
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 6:25:39 AM
LittleBigMidget
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:13:11 PM
Reply
BikerSaint
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:14:12 PM
Reply
The PS3 is my preferred system and since I buy my games used, I always try to pick it up for the PS3(if both versions are available).
But just because I have heard some story's about bad game porting, I have mulled it over whether to get the 360 or PS3 version(but only for a few seconds).
Deleted User
Saturday, January 02, 2010 @ 12:59:25 AM
geovanwitdakick
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:14:34 PM
Reply
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 11:13:23 PM
to_far_apart
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 11:42:30 PM
I guess it all depends on what console you have. If you have a PS3, stick to the PS3, if you have an Xbox 360, stick to it's version. If you're one of the ones who own multiple consoles, then do your homework like Ben mentioned. You always want to play the game at it's best, so look for which version the game that was mainly designed for one specific console.
Mornelithe
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:31:03 PM
Reply
TheJackyl
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:51:08 AM
Especially if you have a HTPC (Home Theater PC). I play my PC games on the same 46" HDTV that I play my PS3 games on. I can also sit back on my couch using my wireless XBox 360 controller and enjoy DX11 graphics while people using the console ports are stuck with DX9.
One of the biggest selling points of the PS3 to me was that you can't get PS3 exclusives on the PC while you can get Xbox exclusives.
Mornelithe
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 7:40:17 AM
HeXeN
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 8:07:01 AM
Mornelithe
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 9:37:08 AM
I do appreciate you actually giving a response, however. Rather than simply throwing a thumbs down with nothing to back it up.
Alienange
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 10:24:14 AM
TheJackyl
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 @ 1:08:37 AM
I've used my controller to play such multiports as Batman Arkham Asylum, Dirt 2, Red Faction Gurrillas, Saints Row 2, GTA IV, etc.
Hexen, you know there are often plenty of trophies to obtain with the PC versions as well. Both Steam and Games for Windows Live have support for trophies.
godsman
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:58:23 PM
Reply
In terms of graphics, developers are limited in visuals because of the cost to making these HD games. Many games, supposedly not taking advantage of the potential of the PS3 SPUs, still manage to look as good as Xbox when ported over. They will all look identical. It's the large titles that require lots of processing that really sees the differences in power.
Alienange
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 11:32:55 PM
Naztycuts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:31:11 AM
Deleted User
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 9:09:58 AM
Jawknee
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:37:26 PM
TheJackyl
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 @ 1:23:19 AM
Deleted User
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 11:01:42 PM
Reply
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 11:12:21 PM
Reply
___________
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:07:57 AM
Alienange
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:13:47 AM
SvenMD
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 8:48:40 AM
Alienange
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 9:56:57 AM
Anyways, Halo3 is pants. Not a good single player experience at all so I wouldn't judge other 360 games based on that. I'm not feeding the MS Live monster either so I can't talk about the online.
As for Gears, it's a good shooter until you get to the 'timed' missions and stupid berzerkers that just don't do what they're supposed to. Of course I was more interested in Mass Effect, Lost Odyssey and Crackdown than those so...
Highlander
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 11:54:24 PM
Reply
___________
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:07:25 AM
Reply
only 2 questions need to be asked.
1 are you going to be playing it online?
if so, which service do you prefer?
2 which version is cheaper?
for some reason 360 games are always cheaper than PS3 games.
normally ps3 games on release are 120 bucks, but every single 360 game i have bought on release has been 100 bucks or less.
ive never picked up a ps3 game on release for 100 bucks.
one thing i really wish i kept my 360 for.
20 bucks may not be much but when your buying on average 1 game a week, 20 bucks over the period of 1 year sums up to be one hefty check.
SvenMD
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 8:52:49 AM
CONTRABAND
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 2:43:27 PM
LittleBigMidget
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:16:28 AM
Reply
Naztycuts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:40:27 AM
If I were a gambling man I'd bet the blatant lies about Live you told got you those thumbs down Pilgrim.
They buy the games for 360 b/c they jumped the gun and didn't wait on the ps3 and many have no choice but to try and justify that purchase as if the xbox is worth defending.
Alienange
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 10:28:27 AM
Naztycuts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 12:42:00 AM
Jawknee
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 4:14:56 PM
LittleBigMidget
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 1:04:52 AM
Reply
telly
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 2:03:38 AM
Reply
Today, while one console may well have a slight edge in graphics/features/downloadable exclusives/etc., it's really not a big deal generally speaking. For example, everyone made a huge deal about the exclusive downloadable content 360 users got with Fallout 3. Well, I missed that game last year and finally got around to the "Game of the Year Edition" a couple months ago on the 360. While the DLC is decent, it just doesn't add much at all to what was already a complete game. The developers literally re-wrote the ending to allow the DLC to happen, and while it was sort of fun to run around for a few more missions, I can safely say PS3 owners who missed the DLC should certainly NOT miss any sleep over it.
If you have the option of choosing between a 360 and PS3 version, by all means, see which one has the edge. But in my experience, the supposed "edge" is never a big deal. Both consoles have great versions of multi-plat games these days -- stress out about something else. Just my two cents.
WolfCrimson
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 3:46:06 AM
Reply
www
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 6:26:43 AM
Fane1024
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 4:54:40 PM
Hezzron
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 10:22:38 AM
The only time I'll pick up a multi-plat on the 360 is if it's real cheap and doesn't have any MP (or any good MP).
All that technical gab about graphics issues doesn't mean much to me.
Deleted User
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 10:00:23 AM
bridgera
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 11:34:41 AM
Then they point to a video that ZOOMS IN on multiplats to show slightly more pixelated details on the PS3 (for say RE5).
Oh yes, those screen shots we had to still capture then ZOOM IN ON THE PICTURE TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE, really make the difference between a game sucking and being awesome.
Then anytime a multiplat looks better on the PS3, they merely say the game sucks entirely.
On Topic: Some of the older multiplat games that didn't have trophies, but had achievements make me lean toward the 360 side for those.
Milo
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 1:46:22 PM
dachemists
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ 8:42:39 PM
Reply
i know when they port games from 360 to ps3(vice versa) and they dont put the time into it (telling me, 'take what u get ps3 buyers', plus HALO developers have jumped ship, and that really tells me something, if ur #1 title is starting to fall apart (the hardware too since launch), then things arent as good as the numbers show
i'd rather have a game/system that lasts 10yrs or so
Deleted User
Saturday, January 02, 2010 @ 1:04:46 AM
just2skillf00l
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 @ 12:04:30 AM
Reply
Last edited by just2skillf00l on 12/30/2009 12:07:01 AM
Deleted User
Saturday, January 02, 2010 @ 1:01:34 AM
Robochic
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 @ 12:35:28 AM
Reply
Just trying to convince my friends to only buy PS3 for multi so I have some more friends to play online :) but apparently they like Live better :(
I honestly cant' see the difference in quality for multi but get back to me when FF13 comes out.
Temjin001
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 @ 5:35:22 PM
Reply
Deleted User
Saturday, January 02, 2010 @ 1:00:18 AM

See Full Image









Nasty80
Reply
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 10:03:50 PM
Last edited by Nasty80 on 12/28/2009 10:04:45 PM