Which Version Of GTA IV Should You Buy? We Compare The PS3 and 360 Versions
It was inevitable. With the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 competing for the "next-gen" first place spot, both armed with Grand Theft Auto IV shipping day and date, nitpicking comparisons between each version was expected from vocal fans. Rockstar Games has commented multiple times that both versions are identical, minus a few platform specific features and Xbox 360 exclusives.
We've played both versions of GTA IV—quite a bit, actually. We've noticed a handful of differences, some of which you know, some which you may not, many of them hair-splitting. We break it down, from frame rate to controls, after the break.
Installation
The PlayStation 3 version has a mandatory 3.4 GB hard drive installation that will be the longest 7 minutes and 20 seconds of your life if you're chomping at the bit to play. It's initially an annoyance, but PS3 owners will welcome it. There is no option to install the game to an Xbox 360 hard drive.
Frame Rate
The Grand Theft Auto series has never been synonymous with a rock solid frame rate, something it generally seems to get a pass for. While GTA IV is smoother in general than it's predecessors, it can expectedly suffer during chaos. The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate, peaking higher in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip.
Pop-In & Loading
With a huge, seamless streaming world, data must be constantly read from the disc. The PS3 version, with its required HDD install, loads missions a couple seconds faster and decreases pop-in. The Xbox 360 version can suffer from some very noticeable texture loading, as things like trees, vehicles and building signs will regularly pop-in as one tools about town. It can be distracting, especially during high speed chases, and the PS3 version isn't entirely immune from it, but it's not a game killing problem.
Graphics
The two versions are so close to identical, visually, that putting together a comparison was a challenge. Initially, it appeared that the PS3 suffered from more noticeable aliasing than its 360 counterpart, but after eyeballing the final retail copy, they appear to be on par. I noticed that the paint filter applied to cover some of the game's imperfections appeared a tiny bit muddier on the PS3 version, with night time scenes seeing more streakiness. Some of these minor complaints may be the result of our particular television settings and require the finest of fine tooth combs to assess.
Downloadable Content
The Xbox 360 version is announced to have two exclusive downloadable content packs for purchase. Details on what will be contained in those two exclusive batches of DLC are sparse, so we can't judge what they'll bring to the table, nor do we know if the PlayStation 3 version will eventually get its own DLC from Rockstar. If you're looking for more GTA IV, and you may very well be after you've completed the core game, you're going to want the 360 version.
Achievements
The Xbox 360 version has the requisite list of Achievements exclusive to the platform, creative and challenging goals that sometimes go beyond the regular gaming experience. However, as with other GTA games, stat-tracking for kills, stunt jumps, and the dozens of extras will keep completionists on the PS3 side happy.
Motion Controls
The PS3 version has optional SIXAXIS motion controls for piloting helicopters, steering boats and doing motorcycle tricks. You'll probably leave it off, just like I did.
Good Vibrations
GTA IV supports vibration in the Xbox 360 controller and the DualShock 3, so PS3 owners won't be left in the force feedback lurch.
Final Thoughts
The good news for Grand Theft Auto fans is that whatever platform you have chosen as your own, GTA IV excels on both. They are almost evenly matched, feature for feature. Gamers will have to decide which is more important to them, a slightly more technically sound experience on the PlayStation 3 or downloadable content and Xbox Live integration on the Xbox 360.
If this were a personal decision, I'd have chosen the PlayStation 3 edition, mostly based on my preference for the DualShock controller and the performance edge. However, one thing that we have yet to experience is how well the PlayStation Network will handle the online portions of GTA IV, an extremely important consideration. I place less of an emphasis on features like Achievements and Gamerscore, but appreciate how well crafted and important these features are to others.
In the end, each version stands on its own, with the only downside to the differences being that those invested in their particularly backed console will expend so much effort focusing on something far less important than the game itself.
View: AU Comments (19) | US Comments (395 comments)
I think the PS3 version has uncompressed audio. You wont notice it unless you have 7.1 channel speakers
I'm in the fortunate position of at least playing if not receiving both editions, due to my line of work. However, well before I was in this position my money was down on the 360 version. This is primarily based on rumble, DLC and... that's it. Multiplayer isn't a deciding factor due my poor broadband, though I think LIVE may be better equipped to handle this than PSN. This isn't due to any long testing rather based on what I've read here and elsewhere. After reading the above breakdown my view that GTA IV will be technically excellent on both machines has been solidified, though my personal choice still remains.
So there you go, Rockstar and Microsoft. My $150 is with the both of you on this. See you at the midnight launch.
one console is half the price of the other. 'nuff said.
The PS3 version is uncompressed and runs at a native 1080p Full HD resolution.
The X360 version uses the Anti-aliasing process to minimize distortion artifacts in the Video signal. This is needed because it was compressed to all hell. Without the use of Anti-aliasing in the 360 version, it would look like a distorted, pixelated mess.
Here is a direct quote from Rockstar co-founder and president, Sam Houser. He touches on disc space issues as well as graphical comparison:
"One of the problems with the 360, and it affects games like Grand Theft Auto if you think about how much content we put in the actual machine, is the fact that they don't have a significantly larger storage medium than the previous systems. It's a slightly bigger DVD disc.
"I think that the 360 is going to have to get 'round this issue we're talking about. I can think of various ways they can do it. Hopefully, they're going to adopt one of those in the next year or so, because it's going to become more of an issue. If we're filling up the disc right now, where are we going? It's not like our games are going to get any smaller. I think that issue's on the table with a bunch of games right now. I'm sure they'll come through with an intelligent solution."
Houser's right when he states that the issue is affecting other games. It has been claimed that the size of a DVD was problematic for the devs over at Bizarre making Project Gotham Racing 4, while Epic's VP, Mark Rein, has stated in the past that the 360 version of Unreal Tournament III may not have as much content as the PS3 and PC versions due to storage limitations.
A DVD holds up to 9GB of information, while a dual-layered Blu-ray disc holds up to 50GB.
Of course, going by the length of time between San Andreas and GTA IV, we're probably looking at four years before the next full GTA game hits. It's not unreasonable to think we'll be into the life cycle of a new Xbox by that point.
Houser also mentioned the subtle differences between the graphics of GTA IV on the PS3 and 360, saying (paradoxically), "We're at a point now where the games pretty much look identical side by side. There's a slight difference in the way they look. I think that's to do with really low-level technical stuff that I'm not the guy to explain. The 360 games have a certain look to them; PS3 games have a certain look to them. I like the way [the PS3] renders. There's a certain kind of softness without being blurry -- some warmth to it -- and then there's a certain more clinical element to how the 360 looks."
After a commment like that, directly from Rockstar, I'm going with the PS3 version. It's a no-brainer!!!
According to the IGN review, the PS3 one looks better, runs better, loads faster. I'm going with that one
I think IGN gave the PS3 the edge in graphics, but hey its a slight edge anyways i think well all be too busy to notice....
Well maybe Sony and Microsoft will reach a deal in using Xbox Live network for PS3 users with GTA IV.
It would make perfect sense and not only that Im sure the old Blue Ray Deal from Sony allowing Microsoft to use Blue Ray drive would have a load of weight in this decision.
Sure Theres the cost of such decision but both of the comanies can well afford this.
I have both an Xbox 360 and a PS3. I would buy games available for both consoles for Xbox 360.
Superior controller, Xbox Live and achievments makes the gameplay so much better. I miss those things on the PS3.
Any game that requires more than 9 GB of data only has lazy developers.
I hate to have to install games on PS3 and then apply an update that take equal time to download and apply.
The vast majority of my friends own 360s rather than PS3s, therefore to play with my friends online I'll be getting the 360 version.
It's a very simple decision.
More content later = more value
360 Version here...yet, another PS3 pass, but at least I have a nice multimedia hub.
I work at a games retailer and it's very much the same. Both have the same online features but it will be interesting to see whether the ps3 network will be able to match the stability of xbox live.
I'm going ps3 just because of the performance side of it. Anti-aliasing and the whole idea of downloading some of the game to hard drive really does make a difference with this game, with the massive textured map and all.
"The PS3 version is uncompressed and runs at a native 1080p Full HD resolution." sorry to inform you but gta 4 is 720p native resolution, however it can be upscaled to 1080p. God only knows why you have a rant about how dvd's have a small storage capacity, when Sam Houser hints that "they'll come through with an intelligent solution" for the small storage capacity
"After a commment like that, directly from Rockstar, I'm going with the PS3 version. It's a no-brainer!!!"
This should read
"After commment's like that, comming directly from Rockstar, I'm going with the PS3 version. It's a no-brainer!!!"
superdynamite, where do you get your information that the 360 version is 'compressed to all hell' and that the PS3 version is uncompressed native 1080P??
What do you even mean by that? Uncompressed textures?
As far as I know, neither the 360 or the PS3 version are 1080P and are most likely both 720P.
As to the disc size issue, does the PS3 version even use more than 9GB that would fit on a standard DVD? the install is only 3GB.
And what are the distortion artefacts in the video signal that you talk about??
@SUPERDYNAMITE
PS3's version runs at 630p...
XBOX360's version runs at 720p...
http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=633901
PS3: 630p with 2xAA at FP16 Lighting
X360: 720p with 2xAA with FP10 Lighting
PS3 has a "softer" image because it is lower resolution being upscaled to 720p. 360 version is sharper because it is being rendered natively at that resolution.
I'm quite a PS3 fanboy, but able to afford both systems. To me on intial tests the 360 version looks far superior. I've heard that the PS3 is 620p upscaled and on my 42" Plasma this looks to be the case.
I bought the PS3 version, not the 360 and am slightly regreting this now.
SUPERDYNAMITE
You are wrong. The PS3 DOES NOT RUN at 1080p native resolution for GTA.
Actually, the PS3 version runs at 640p, while the 360 version runs 27 720p.
Quote "If this were a personal decision, I'd have chosen the PlayStation 3 edition, mostly based on my preference for the DualShock controller and the performance edge."
Quote “The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate, peaking higher in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip."
"Quote “I noticed that the paint filter applied to cover some of the game's imperfections appeared a tiny bit muddier on the PS3 version, with night time scenes seeing more streakiness. Some of these minor complaints may be the result of our particular television settings and require the finest of fine tooth combs to assess."
So how did the PS3 come out with a performance edge? His stated the obvious in his review and then goes the other way on his PERSONAL opinion? I guess fanboyism exists in all of us. Xbox 360 is a unreliable piece of S#!^ and the PS3 is an overhyped piece of S#!^ with less superior games. Either way each one of us owns a piece of $#!^. PC gaming anyone?
I'd be right with you on the PC gamin, IZZY. But I think the final decision came down to personal preference, and I've always loved GTA on the ps2. By the way, PS3 MGS4 bundle very soon! Booya!
nicko has eyes in the back of the head if you position the camera right :)
ummmm and it pretty much is the best gta game ever except they coyuld have had more weapons, clothes and bling.
the start of the story is really good but following it was mainly crap that you just wanted to play to try find better missions?
and still the same problem with the same fucking car everywhere you look, i mean that has got to GO!!!
oh and do burnouts and your back tires pop i found that pretty funny.
Scott-Survive
and it doesnt drop in frame rate much at all, not noticable anyway even when im blowing cars up left right center with my rpg :)
Scott-Survive
im happy on the ps3 version i have played through the main plot and havn't noticed pop-in.
Scott-Survive
I really want to get this game, but I was wondering which platform would be better. I'm glad to see that you say they're about the same. I don't own a PS3, but I was considering buying one if this game was far and away better on the PS3. Since it's not, I'll save my $600 (or however much the overpriced thing is) and get it on my 360. I do agree with the guy who said in his post that he liked the dualshock controller better, but I'm (slowly but surely) getting used to the 360 controller for other games. Never played any GTA versions on it, though.
Here's another thought...every store I've been to in my area (Pittsburgh) - including GameStop, WalMart, BestBuy, Circuit City, Costco, and Target - have had loads of the PS3 version, and been sold out of the 360 version and the crazily overpriced 360 Special Edition (or Collectors Edition, or whatever it's called) I might have to buy a PS3 just so I can play some version of the game.
Sad for Sony that there are only 2 selling points for the PS3 for me:
1) I do like the dualshock controller.
and
2) All the local stores are sold out of GTA:IV for the 360 cause it's way more popular!
Oh well...
blindboy37
ill wait 15 years till they make emulator 4 ps3 and then ill play it.
ljepava
Holycrap, the view distance on the 360 is piss poor! I bet if you run round the block your car gets removed from the ram, hahaha.
Mickice
Ok, so the 360 has DLC, but what if the PS3 get somesthing like GTAIV: Stories! like an entire new game? the PS2/PSP got atleast 2 exclusive games.
Seriously guys, suck that DLC lolly while it lasts.
Mickice
@ShirtGuyDom: A legit complaint.
brandonf
@hunterrose12: Yes, Kotaku already said in that the install leads to less load time for the PS3 and less pop-ins (something that is more present in the 360 version).
pooster
@hunterrose12:
'Why would anyone buy the PS3 version'?
- Because the HDD install will decrease pop-ins/loading times, meaning slighty better performance?
- Surely thats worth 'wasting' nearly 10 minutes of my life?
- Possible interaction with HOME?
- Free online?
- Long promised in-game XMB access, will let you talk to your buddies eventually, when its here?
Just to mention a few. I totally understand why other people prefer the 360 version, so if i came here questioning what makes it good, i'd leave many stumped.
elitegamer
Love how you completely left out the other motion controls, like for reloading and controlling your crashing car, both of which I keep on and love to use.
But, if you only want to mention the motion controls that you can use in a negative sense, go right ahead.
ShirtGuyDom
Too bad running the game in glorious 1080p on my XBOX360 cuts off like an inch off the right side, so I can't see my monies or where I am in the world. :/
Starsmore
This is a great review of the ups and downs of GTA in terms of hardware preferences. Im going with 360 when I get around to buying it though
shaunomacx
I own both systems and deciding which version to buy has been a very serious consideration. They reviews seem to have them evenly matched aside from the DLC for Xbox. I have decided to go with the PS3 version because I like to leave my system on all the time while I beat a new game and that being said, Microsoft, you lose! I hate that LOUD ASS FAN in the Xbox! Cheap bastards.
tirpack
@immelmann:
I would think the Rockstar employees rather you buy the 360 version. Simply because that's the version with more DLC for you to buy.
kftgr
I've tried them both at the local GS this afternoon and when forced to give a nod to one or the other i reluctantly give the nod to the (drum roll please.........)XBOX 360 version.Overall Gameplay is slightly more enjoyable on the 360 version that the PS3 version and in the end there's nothing like being able to grab the game and play it on ANY 360 without a lengthy install persiod, BUT they are literally so close in look and feel that's you could easily swear you were playing the same game if it weren't for a different controller in your hand.
All in all both editions are top notch
with a very slight extra nod to the 360 version for being more user friendly and having a clear future with the exclusive content downloads coming later in the year as well as having a more user friendly online enviornment.
Sugaray
Who cares what platform it's on, it's a great game that blows away everything we've played before.. I wish I had a XBox for a few of it's exclusive titles. I'm sure XBox fans have or will have a few PS3 exclusive titles they wish they had. I think the pro's and con's are balanced out. Minus the DLC, but hey Xbox users will have to have a drive, and have to pay for it. I'm sure Rockstar will take care of PS3 owners eventually, they always have. See you in the streets, right before I stomp on your throat, take your money, and your ride.. bwahahahahahaha
kind666
@mescalineeyes:
I saw that too. Its crazy. Oh well, 360 version for me. I'll get getting a PS3 for the exclusive MGS4 though.
mindf1ow
@logikil: How does two games with different graphics, less content potential equal equivalent in your world?
hunterrose12
Why would anyone buy the PS3 version? I have both consoles and there is no way I'm getting it for the PS3. Everytime there is a game for both systems that comes out I always find myself in the same boat.
For the Xbox 360 edition here are some great reasons why I'll be buying it for this platform:
- You won't waste 7 minutes and 20 seconds of your life installing it.
- Multiplayer XBox Live wins vs. the Playstation network everytime.
- Downloadable content.
- Achievements and Gamerscore
- Smoother frame rates.
Let's face it... this is generally the rule of thumb for every cross-console title that comes out.
My question is about the install time... Does this mean that some of the loading times in-game would be reduced on the PS3 version? Has this been covered anywhere?
hunterrose12
I'm getting the PS3 version, for a better gameplay experience. If the multiplayer and DLC turn out to be significantly better than expected when it's released this Fall, then I'll get it for the Xbox as well.
flashtut
@leshrac55: Didn't you ever play Mass Effect? Pop-in like crazy can get irritating.
ChildeRoland
@PapaBear434: will he balls, gta doesn't matter, your not gonna turn out a murderer for murdering on a game. i played games since i was 3 and i'm hardly a murder or anything. never got in trouble with the cops ever.
SwindleUK
This was bound to be the big issue of the year....who would have the better GTA? Fact is, with all the stroking that either PS3 or Xbox diehards are doing of each other, both games are equivalent. If it weren't to appease the crazed fans out there of the respective platforms the comparisons wouldn't even be warranted. Pick which to buy based on the following:
Which online do you prefer or have more friends on? I have more friends on line on Live...simple as that for me.
If you are seriously picking which version to get based on negligible amounts of pop in on one system or the other, color filtering being slightly different, less then moderately different load times, or any of the other nit pick differences that reviewers needed to look for then its just sad. If there were REAL differences between the two then this would be a completely different conversation.
And to the MS fans screaming DLC, you all don't even know what the DLC is yet so you may want to set that aside for now. If you want to argue for easier use of Live or Achievements, fine but bringing up this phantom DLC that people can only speculate on doesn't do you any good.
logikil
xbox 360 because DLC will most likely never come for PS3, Rockstar isn't tied down by the contractual agreements anymore so they know that they don't have to offer DLC for PS3, especially since they commented on how they don't like the PS3 (they retracted it recently but that's only so they can remain diplomatic). Ultimately it will come out for pc, and when it does the PC version will of course be superior so if you're really have patience, you should wait it out.
MyEasyTV
I want to get it for PS3 for the load times, and less pop in. But the multiplayer is supposed to be unbelievable, and let's face it, multiplayer is easier on 360. Not to mention more of my friends own 360's. So friends list FTW, I guess. You win this round MS...
clintbacca
@zombieistired: "...and a more mature community than 360 makes me lean towards getting it on ps3."
I'd be interested to see how that pans out once more titles such as this start making its way to PS3.
At the moment, I'd gather the 360's got a larger membership...since it was established before PSN (or Nintendo WFC), and thus the only ship in town for a while.
Give PSN time though, and the griefers and 12-year-olds with tourette's will come around.
TRT-X
@Big World: Hehe.
R3load
Interesting...
Trash talking while sniping people off of buildings
OR
Better graphics while cruising around the beautiful city...
Don't both kind of also depend of the type of televisor that they are being played on as well?
Go Team Venture
I survived the pop in and texture loading with Mass Effect.
I like my achievements and I like to be able to just go online and play against people.
Mostly; I'm looking forward to checking out my friend list to see just how many people are doing the GTA IV thang over the next few days.
EndersGame
In other words, 360 version it is.
The leaked version is already selling at some of the...seedier locations around my city.
Frank
All my friends have either Wii or 360 or both, none of them have the PS3.
I myself own a Wii and 360, plus DLC and achievements equal <3 in my book.
I can't wait till Tuesday.
Flood_of_SYNs
1 hour 22 minutes............
jimbobnz
Thankyou, this is EXACTLY the sort of article I wanted to read before making a purchase as I have both systems (PS3 currently just a Blu Ray player).
system11
Huh?
"The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate, peaking higher in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip."
"I noticed that the paint filter applied to cover some of the game's imperfections appeared a tiny bit muddier on the PS3 version, with night time scenes seeing more streakiness."
Ok, so what is "technically" better on the PS3 version? It's not mentioned in the breakdown... only in the "Final Thoughts".
leshrac55
@Lanhoj: The PS3 version is in higher definition dumbass, can't you read?
Knight-Zero
Ok I will get my x360 version since all of my friends own x360 instead of ps3
leroyhk
I'll just wait for the eventual Wii version. You know its gonna happen.
axiom
@weasl:
Where does it says the PS3 version is superior?
I've read numerous reviews, and every sinlge one says the games are darn near identical.
The only real differences are achievements and the DLC, so why shouldn't reviewers mention this?
If i had a choice of 2 cars, almost identical in spec and price, but one would have a better resale value in a couple of years, that would be a extra point to consider.
DLC is the same. It doesn't have an immediate effect, but if you keep the game 6 months, then you'd be annoyed if nobody had said you could have got extra content if you'd brought the other version.
Mr_Ed
This article made me sad.
I'm kind of sick of hearing PS3 version is superior, but in 6 months the if you own the 360 you'll be able to shell out another 20$ to get some content that nobody has seen or knows what it will contain.
Personal opinion.
Judge the game based on what's in the f'ing box, not by an unknown expansion pack in 6 months.
weasl
href="#c5402241">R3load:
The game cube disks where way too small, it was cheaper, easier, cheaper, and more effective to fit games on a PS2, non-proprietary DVD. The reason the Gamecube isn't what the PS2 is today is that Nintendo made all the wrong moves.
@mmgg113: GTA started on DOS, not Playstation.
Game Developers:
Why in gods name did you think that texture pop-in was acceptable? Sacrificing the believability of a game world for shorter loads (or whatever it is you are want to achieve) is the most despicable thing you have ever done.
Wii-Tard
PS3 version for moi!
sascha23
@mferrari:
lol that sucks for you man I am actually one of the only kids around here with parents who have touched a game and as such are letting me buy this game. I am also buying 5 copys and selling them for 80$ a pop to "respective buyers" that are in your situation lol.
deathtastic
Man, I was so sure that the pre-ordering 360 version for the DLC was the right choice, but the 360 texture loading track record, I'm not so sure.
Other than Pop-in and DLC, everything seems on par. How well GTAIV works on Xbox live compared to PSN is the wild card, and live has been taking that cake all for its greedy little self.
Wii-Tard
@LeLoi: what, did you expect the DLC to be free? N-word please.
blackmanfu
Here another one who will buy it for PS3.
Here in Europe microsoft is throwing a lot of money to introduce the console+GTA4, the price is good but people generally have very bad feelings about 360 for all the problems they know about his fiability.
From all my entourage, a lot just sells their 360 and buy a PS3, to play GTA4 without thinking about when they will have to send the console to microsoft. Then there is Gran Turismo 5 and Metal Gear Solid 4.
In the past I was a 360 user too but she breaks 2 times and, with 6 games (3 of them mostly unplayed) I was forced to sell it too, losing money (games+console+accesories).
Bidule
''The Xbox 360 version is announced to have two exclusive downloadable content packs for purchase.''
Keyword being ''purchase''. If anyone is dumb enough to pay money for that exclusive DLC then you are just giving into the obvious cash grab by Rockstar and Microsoft. I will be sticking with the PS3 version because I really don't want to redlight my Elite......
LeLoi
So if I own either system I'll get it for said system.
If I'm well off enough, or just enjoy spending money and have both consoles, then it all comes down to this:
Who's got worse online service?
I myself have preordered the ps3 version, because I don't like paying an additional testicle a month for sexbox live. But hey, if I was rich, I'd go with the 360. D/L content + ftw.
Keatto
@kingme: The PS3 has multiplayer & I'd bet my right nut it will end up with it's own DLC
Rockwallaby
I will go for the PS3 version then. I could really care less for DLC and Multiplayer anyway....
kingme
@mcool93: the blame lies squarely with Microsoft for taking away the built in HD, which they themselves introduced with the original xbox
Rockwallaby
Thanks to the Core/arcade, 360 owners (pro and elites) have to suffer pop-in and loading.
thanks for the information about both versions. I'll pick the 360.
mcool93
@R3load: There's only one way to know for sure: TIME MACHINE!
Crank this baby to 2001, and don't forget your DualShock 2!
Big World
@Big World: I fully understand what you are saying. I just disagree. Then again I think differently, to me it was Sony's PS Brand that was propelled into the stratosphere by having all the big names make products for their system. Truth be told the GameCube could have been what the PS2 was today if they had all the support, but it isnt. The games sell the console more so than a console selling a game.
I dont think Rockstar Games should be labled as a company who was propelled into massive success by Sony. Their hard work has paid off multiple times and is why people purchased GTA titles like crazy. The PlayStation Brand was their sole home during that period though, and it is a two way deal, I agree.
R3load
@Hickeroar: EGM, 1up, Gamesradar, Gamesreactor, and Gamespy also claim the PS3 version performs and looks better in various aspects. They often mention different things so its hard to judge, but almost all reviews so far state that the 360 version has more pop in.
Kyle81
@iwanttobeasleep: if you care about achievement points.
I've got both & I'm getting it on the PS3
Rockwallaby
So, then, for most gamers (who have both) XBox wins because it has achievement points?
iwanttobeasleep
LOL, IGN said all the pro-ps3 things better but also said that the PS3 seemed to have BETTER anti-aliasing and a BETTER framerate than the 360 did. Apparently it's identical and the differences are all in the minds of the reviewers.
Hickeroar
@R3load: If Final Fantasy VII had been released on the Sega Saturn, do you think it would have enjoyed the same success it has?
Granted, Rockstar does all of the work making the games, but it took two to tango when it came to reviving a nearly-forgotten franchise and propelling it into the stratosphere of daimond-selling classics. That's all I was saying.
Big World
@CaveHonkey: Wait wait wait wait....
So you're playing it on the console that DOES have triggers on the controller?
Public schools FTW....
Raidei
PS3 for me. I really have no desire to get it for 360.
I have had a far more pleasant experience playing online games on PS3 then 360, maybe due to the the fact that the majority of casual gamers that play online are total douche-nozzles.
Raidei
@Tepoz: I'm sorry, don't you mean 10/10 game?
I still haven't decided, it's killing me here. An hour ago I said PS3, now I say 360. I've got to make up my mind.
kylo4
Funny how every other website is saying the PS3 version excels in both framerate and texture loading, but in typical Kotaku fashion, it's completely downplayed when favor falls on the PS3. This series was born and bread on a Sony console, and it's the only way to play it right. Flame on, bitches! Bring on the RROD!
mmgg113
everyone is so quick to bash the PSN, if the devs do their jobs it beats live hands down.
On the flipside there's games like Vegas2 which shipped broken
Rockwallaby
considering I only own a 360 it was a forgone conclusion.
I'm buying it for PC so I can aim.
MeateaW
Father and law and brother in law are going PS3. So am I. Of course, it IS my only option. Admittedly that makes it easier.
2NinjasTapedTogether
@Big World: However, it's my humble and sage opinion that Rockstar hasn't forgotten the company that brought them to this far
Of course they have not forgotten the company that has brought them this far. Themselves.
R3load
"For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster. Don't worry Xbox owners, the load times are rarely more than 30 seconds and don't occur very often. The slight visual edge goes to PS3, but the 360 is no slouch. Either version will do you proud". -IGN
"Past GTA titles have had mild-to-serious framerate issues and technical glitches, because the games were trying to do far more than the PlayStation 2 could handle. While GTA IV is pushing the PS3 and 360 to the limit, it also runs amazingly well. Sure, there are framerate hitches here and there and (particularly on 360) there is some texture pop-in, but it actually runs better than I expected."
GAMESRADAR.......
[www.gamesradar.com]
"Occasional pop-up" On the 360.
"While the PS3 and 360 versions of the game are functionally identical, the PS3's visuals sport noticeably smoother edges, along with a warmer color palette that makes everything look slightly more realistic. If you're looking to compare Accomplishments with your Achievement-hoarding friends, though, forget it - GTA IV ignores these half-assed consolation prizes altogether. PS3 owners also have to put up with a nearly eight-minute installation the first time they start the game, which puts the normally slower Blu-ray load times on par with the Xbox 360 version. (That is, unless it's running on a 360 with no hard drive, which we're told will face much longer loads.)"
"None of these little flaws take away from Liberty City's breathtaking vistas, incredibly varied scenery, and lived-in look (the PS3 version has the slightest visual edge, plus motion-control support" 1up
Kotaku, you guys are full of shit
MisterTwoTurbo
PS3 version for me, since I'm not going to buy a 360 for this. I am interested in the downloadable content, but I'm probably too cheap to buy it and actually get my money's worth.
Tiger-Fever
There's not a big difference, so I'll go with the PS3 version since I'm not buying a 360 any time soon.
djHEAT
@SeedyROM: historically it's been the technologically "inferior" consoles that've won the hardware race, so it is pretty amusing to see both sides war it out. Then again, I guess this is for the #2 spot since the Wii's pretty much taking over the world atm, so maybe things will be a little different.
Reliability of comparisons aside, all of you should know full well that there's a batallion of capable folks that'll be looking at both versions and nitpicking the shit out of it (with screenshots, frame rate caps and the whole shebang) until both parties are pleased.
muu
@CaveHonkey: I disagree. PS3 controller is awesome. It all comes down to opinion, eh?
Strange Bedfellows
@Michael McWhertor: I wish I had the bionic eye implants to be more accurate on this, but I think you can't go wrong with either version. :)
Michael McWhertor
360, With out a doubt. I hate the PS3 controller. Triggers suck!
CaveHonkey
I'll gladly take a little late pop-in for a little more framerate in tough spots. Both seem pretty damn on-par though so I'd hope the fanboyism would calm a bit...
...as if!
SeedyROM
@Michael McWhertor: As i said, Michael, even if you were wrong, it happens even to the best. Not blaming you.
Since all the sources I have (between which people i've known for years and whose expertise in gaming I know first hand) confirm a better framerate on the PS3, I'll, just go with believing the majority of what i hear, and the simple logic that if you wanna run such an extensive world without streaming from an HD, then you definately have to cut somewhere. I'm pretty sure the guys at rockstar didn't complain about the lack of HD on the 360 (as reported on Kotaku itself) for no reason.
But no hard feelings man, I'm just forming my own opinion based on what i hear/see/know/read, the fact it disagrees with yours doesn't mean I don't think you guys are pretty damn good at what you do :D
Abriael
@Abriael: Actually, I wrote that the versions were on par. My initial assessment of the 360 versions anti-aliasing may have been due to playing the release version via component cables, then playing the retail version via HDMI. As far as the frame rate, all I can tell you is that after playing the PS3 version for 35 hours, then sitting down with the 360 version immediately after, I thought the frame rate was slightly better at certain times.
Michael McWhertor
Ac@mescalineeyes:
"ign said the ps3 had the smoother frame rate and the better aliasing, kotaku says it's the other way around."
And that's what I hear from most sources and from friends that actually already tried the game first hand. Kotaku is quite alone in it's opinion, so I'm afraid that I think they got it wrong this time. It happens even to the best.
My own conclusion is that, this time, the PS3 shown an undieniable power edge over the 360 (in a game that pushes the envelope quite a bit), and that the age of the supposed superiority of the 360 at multiplats has hereby ended.
Abriael
Ps3 Version for me
@Michael McWhertor: A really good comparison is elder scrolls oblivion for ps3 and 360 the ps3 and 360 looked pretty equal visually but ps3 loading times were substantially shorter and pop in was much less. What i'm getting at is the difference very noticeable side by side and will i be able to see a difference(like oblivion) when my 360 friend comes over with it. Should i buy it for my system or just use his 360 because we play a lot together just wondering.
Barf#1
"It appeared that the PS3 suffered from more noticeable aliasing than its 360 counterpart" "I noticed that the paint filter applied to cover some of the game's imperfections appeared a tiny bit muddier on the PS3 version."
Every other review (about 5) are opposite of this, stating that the PS3 has much better anti-aliasing and that it has a clearer picture than 360, which just has brighter tones. I don't get it.
I am still not sure. Right now I'm leaning towards PS3 because for five years I've played grand theft auto on PS2. The controller layout is just "there" for me with the PS3, and seeing 5 gta's on my shelf all for PS2 and than getting it for 360 might be awkward.
My problem is with the DLC, which could potentially cost $30 a pop for all we know, and a couple of other things mentioned including the controller. With around 28 hours to go, I might choose the PS3 version.
kylo4
i think there biased about ps3 AA cuz even rockstar said ps3 has the better AA
and after HDD install, it sounds like PS3 almost is not getting ADVANTAGE, when it IS.
CrazzyMan