980°

GameSpot: Dragon Age: Origins 360 Review

GameSpot writes: "The differences between versions aren't limited to the interface. Dragon Age doesn't look amazing on the PC, but it's an attractive game nonetheless. Zooming from an isometric view to a third-person perspective is slick, and while environments don't hold up quite as well when viewed up close, they're consistently lovely when viewed from above. On the flip side, the Xbox 360 version looks positively disappointing. Textures are highly compressed and colors are washed out, though the upside is that this version maintains a smoother frame rate than on the PlayStation 3, where things might get jittery when swiveling the camera around.

The PlayStation 3 version features higher-quality textures than those on the Xbox 360, better color saturation, smoother facial animations, and shorter load times. Minor visual hiccups, like corpses that disappear and reappear, are a bit more common on the PS3, however. The PC version is the superior experience, but if you're choosing between the two console releases, the PlayStation 3 has the upper hand. Some minor glitches are shared between the console versions, however, such as rare occasions when the soundtrack or voice-overs disappear. We also ran into a few quest malfunctions that could be replicated on all three platforms, though they were relatively minor and did not interfere with the progress of the main quest. "
8.5 / 10
Cyrus365 - contributor
Published: 65 days 17 hours ago | Review | Xbox 360
 
 

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Feral Gamer - 65 days 17 hours ago
1 - "the PlayStation 3 has the upper hand"
That about sums it up!
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IcyJoker187 - 65 days 17 hours ago
1.1 -
Superior PS3 version confirmed.
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raztad - 65 days 17 hours ago
1.2 -
LOL. This is funny as hell, after 1000 articles discussing how superior Bayonetta is in the xbox, DA results to run and look better on the PS3. Karma is a b!tch.

On topic: This game is looking more interesting by the day. I'm not sure if I'd enjoy it though, I havent played Baldurs Gate or something similar before, but the story and the world look pure win.
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mastiffchild - 65 days 17 hours ago
1.3 -
Thing is though, Raz, that the differences in both cases are minimal. I played the Bayonetts PS3 demo and while it demonstrated to me what I thought it might(that Kamiya and Platinum had been a little lazy overall and made DMC with breasts and more silliness and should have made both versions)it didn't show the awful performance that's been reported elsewhere and blown out of all proportion.

I imagine if you only have one or the other cnsole and like the look o feither game you won't feel badly xconned by getting your version-if people wouldn't keep making comparisons over tiny things. Even as a dula console owner I don't think these little things add up to enough to alter your console of choice for multis as they just aren't as big as, say, controller pref or where your mayes game. To me, anyway, Bayonetta didn't seem like a case anywhere near he league of The Orange Box.

Honestly, imo, these things are being really put inder the microscope but aren't in any way the issues they're made out to be-not in mos cases anyway and not by a long way either.

OT it looks like the Bioware guys were being straight with all their "PS3 dev went smoother than expected" stuff and to reach parity with the 360 on their first go is a pretty good job, imo. Still not sure about the combat in DA:O and will have to see exactly how it plays for myself as the reviews I've read seem to confuse the issue-saying they like it but not explaining what it makes you do or how you do it very well! Maybe I'm just tired and emotional though!
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Silellak - 65 days 17 hours ago
1.4 -
Console schmonsole. I play most of my games on a console these days, but Dragon Age is the sort of game that BEGS to be played on the PC - especially with the toolset.
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Cold 2000 - 65 days 17 hours ago
1.5 -
I wonder if PS3 diehards are going to get the "superior PC version" like they always say whenever a game is on 360/PC.

As for me I was planning on getting this on 360, like almost all my miltiplats but I might just go PS3 this time around.
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nycredude - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.6 -
Looks like a D&D version of Mass Effect, including the bugs and glitches! I'll pick up a copy tonight! :P

Loved Mass Effect.
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raztad - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.7 -
@mastif

I definitely agree that the whole comparison between version stuff is only relevant for multiconsole owners. Single console owners will get the game unless is broken or unplayable. I used to buy a lot of games on the PS2 that always looked better on the xbox, I enjoyed them throughly regardless the xbox version.
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LazyDevs - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.8 -
Hey great another Bioware game with no multiplayer or no co-op. And this game screams co-op in every aspect, so i will have to give the finger to this game and pass. I have to much other stuff to play.
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leeger - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.9 - @1.5
they will most likely get the PS3 version, not because it is the most superior but simply because they prefer it, it's just that when a game is PC/360 only the only option they have is the PC, granting they don't own a 360. And we have to admit it most of the time the PC version is indeed superior than the console version, and we also have to admit it that a PC is a gaming platform different from the PS3, 360, and Wii, so if a game is PS3/PC it is not a PS3 exclusive, the same thing can be said if a game is 360/PC it is not a 360 exclusive, it's just that some people here keeps on saying that since PCs use Windows and Windows is owned by MS which is also the maker of the Xbox360, any game that is 360/PC is considered as an exclusive, which is kinda stupid imo.
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meepmoopmeep - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.10 -
"The PlayStation 3 version features higher-quality textures than those on the Xbox 360, better color saturation, smoother facial animations, and shorter load times."

Bioware weren't kidding when they said they were excited working on the PS3 hardware
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Rampant - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.11 - Actually
I've heard on this site that every console owner also has a gaming pc, so everyone gets the superior version!!!!
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Jsynn7 - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.12 - Easy Fixes
I'm sure these glitches can be fixed through patches. I don't understand why he keeps bringing these things up when it's really not a big deal(disappearing/reappearing corpses? Is that really worth mentioning?). I think he's stealth trolling. I think he's just trying to ignite another fanboy fight of "my platform's version is better than your platform's version!". Honestly, if these bugs and glitches to don't hinder gameplay, then it's no big deal. Like I said earlier, BW will come out with patches to fix these things. I'm sure this guy knows that but he's just being a douche. This game looks awesome so I'll be picking it up.
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pogibaldy - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.13 - That's why I bought Dragon Age on PC
I love my consoles - seeing as I regularly game on PS3 & 360 - but games appearing on all three platforms simply run better, with more options, on a powerful gaming PC. It is simple logic that a console with specs from 2005 (360) and 2006 (PS3) doesn't have the capability of a PC built specifically for gaming in October 2009.

Anyway, I'm still loving Uncharted 2 on PS3 and Borderlands on 360.
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snp - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.14 - 1.5
Actually yes in my case. If there's a version of something out for the PC in superior form, unless it's of a genre i prefer on a console (platformers etc), i'll always get the cheaper and better version with - to my preferences - better controls - ie. the PC (and if i want to run it on my 50" 1080P Plasma, i've got a cable for that to).

Can't speak for everyone, but in my case this high spec games capable PC i'm typing this on actually exists, and is more often than not the best and cheapest version of Xbox/PC games (usually erroneously mislabelled 'xbox exclusives!') or PS3/Xbox/PC games.
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blindfromthesun - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.15 -
It beats me why anyone would brag about superior graphics in an otherwise plain/average game. If game play is the main attraction (as it is in EVERY Bioware game) why are we harping about graphics...especially those on the console?

Its obvious which version is the best: PC. It includes the toolset, traditional Balder's Gate perspective, superior graphics, and increased difficulty.
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corneliuscrust - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.16 - could use a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT more polish gfx wise wow
Why does this game get a pass? Because it is bioware? It looks worse than the original ME. Even the PC version looks pale compared to some of the recent console releases... hope the gameplay is stellar
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snp - 65 days 16 hours ago
1.17 -
I've heard on this site that every console owner also has a gaming pc, so everyone gets the superior version!!!!
----

Wouldn't say 'every console owner also has a gaming pc', but certainly a portion do.

Me for one. And i have Mass Effect, Halo, Fable etc sitting on the shelf right here. Hell, i think for a segment of PS3 owners the lesser redundancy of PS3/PC over 360/PC broadly speaking, is a 'part' of their choosing the PS3 over the 360 (i know it played a part in my decision, already owning the PC). Probably why it irritates when folks disingenuously want to claim one or another game is exclusive to a console if and when it in fact is also on the PC in a cheaper and better version.

It is nice to notice Xbox users have sighted the existence of a PC version this time round, though - if perhaps a bit cynical.

PS: Should add, 5% - whether it be this or Bayonetta, or some other game being fine-toothed by fanboys to give the impression one or another multiplaform title is 'really only good on - and by extension belongs to - 'platform x' - doesn't really mean anything real world. Without the slightest trace of cynicism, i'll say sure all versions will be fine.
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raztad - 65 days 15 hours ago
1.18 -
@Rampant

Not every PC is built the same way. Mine is good enough to run a PC game at 1280x720 with med-high settings or 1920x1080 with lower detail and the framerate usually suffers. It's far from being a "dream PC" but I'm not upgrading just to have the ultimate looking game. PS3 is my preferred gaming hardware, PC is there when I need it, ie for PC/xbox "exclusives".
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Montrealien - 65 days 15 hours ago
1.19 -
Great review for a great game. If you want to get the superior version grab the PC version, if you want a console version, grab it on the PS3 of the 360, which ever console fits you needs and or preferences.

If you want to fight over which console version is better, I would suggest you get up from infront of your computer right now, go to your bathroom, look yourself in the mirror and punch yourself in the face, hard. It will be easier and come down to about the same result.

With that said, I will be playing chess with a buddy of mine tonight, he has a great chess set, graphics have not changed much in that game for over a thousand years and the game is still a blast to play.
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KRUSSIDULL - 65 days 15 hours ago
1.20 -
Gamespot missed that the 360 version is better with the game installed on the hard drive (Its optimized http://n4g.com/NewsCom-4210... it uncompresses the game. PS3 version doesn't need to compress the game thats why it loads faster and textures looks better, ask Bioware.
So the conclusion is that 360 version is the better IF you install it on the HDD so you get PS3 quality textures and better framerate

Edit: Disagree the fact stupid fanboys.
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tordavis - 65 days 14 hours ago
1.21 -
@reztard - Bioware originally pushed the release date back on the PS3 version to tweak it more. If the PS3 has more power, then devs should be utilizing it. This has nothing to do with Karma it's all about what the devs can do with the hardware. People fail to realize that PS3 tech is a year newer than the 360 and most games SHOULD shine a little more on the PS3. However, again this depends on the devs and the engine.

@Montrealien - Best post of the week! Bubbles!
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nycredude - 65 days 14 hours ago
1.22 -
WTF... 360 version .5 lower than Ps3 version? From Gamespot no less! WTF... What happened here?

>>scratches head<<

@Montrealien

I completely agree with you. Great post, but I have a cheap, plastic chess set from Toys R Us, and I would much prefer to play on a nice glass or marble one. Alas, i can't afford one since all my money is going towards video games!
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stevenhiggster - 65 days 13 hours ago
1.23 -
@KRUSSIDILL

People are disagreeing with you because you are talking nonsence. You say that if the XBOX version is installed then it is the better one, yet in the same sentence say you will get PS3 quality. So if you install it to get PS3 quality how can it be better? Surely it would be the same?
You just proved yourself to be a rather stupid fanboy.
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Troll_Police - 65 days 12 hours ago
1.24 - @TorDavis
Ahhh, here's Torrence Davis like clockwork to defend his beloved Xbox 360. Don't you have work to do at your Xboxbag.com site?
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Montrealien - 65 days 12 hours ago
1.25 -
Hey Troll Police, Humor me. Break down his comment and show me where he defended the 360.
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Alvadr - 65 days 11 hours ago
1.26 -
Hurray for Bioware. Wasnt expecting that... Muhhahaha at the 360 fanboys, doesnt feel too great does it
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mikeslemonade - 65 days 11 hours ago
1.27 -
The gamespot reviewer most likely installed the 360 game and still it's not on par with PS3 haha.
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Kigmal - 65 days 9 hours ago
1.28 -
"The PC version is the superior experience"
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mega BIG time - 65 days 9 hours ago
1.29 -
do ps3 games still make you sit there for 15 minutes ripping to the hard drive before you get to play? Or do they run off the disc now?
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beardpapa - 65 days 7 hours ago
1.30 -
I don't mean to sound like a fanboy and I know the advantages of 360 game installation, but since when was it a preference for 360 gamers to desire a want for installing their games into the hard drive? I thought it was always ridiculous hearing how PS3 owners have to cope with 2GB installs or 5GB installs, but suddenly it's the coolest thing to install a game onto the 360 and have whisper-quiet gaming? And suddenly, it's okay to say the 360 would have the upper hand if the game was installed? That's stretching it a bit much isn't it?
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pain777pas - 65 days 7 hours ago
1.31 -
If Bioware brings Mass Effect over to the PS3 can we hope for the same treatment? Well that aside I'm going for the mods and the PS3 and 360 are cannot use the modification tool set so the PC version is what I'll be playing tonight. I'm going to best buy to snag a ccpy right after I hit add reply.
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kingdavid - 65 days 17 hours ago
2 -
Im playing it on 360 atm. Is true, the graphics are pretty weak for this day and age. Seems like an awesome game though, just got past my city elf origin.
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mastiffchild - 65 days 17 hours ago
2.1 -
I'm led to believe that the looks are more dated at the start and get better towards the end with more and more impressive locations and stuff-just a hangover from the length of development overall AND a bit of a tired engine by now. They began this a LONG time ago didn't they? Was it about 2004/5 when it was first mooted/shown?
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pogibaldy - 65 days 16 hours ago
2.2 - @ Mastiff
I've heard similar things about the visuals and art direction improving as you progress through the game. There is likely some truth to this rumor.
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frostypants - 65 days 4 hours ago
2.3 -
Playing on the PC. Graphics are acceptable...they certainly are no showcase but they are solid. Otherwise the production values in this game are really high. Music is very well done, acting is decent, and it's all just really polished and immersive.

Between this and Demon's Souls I haven't been this big into RPGs in years.
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divideby0 - 65 days 17 hours ago
3 -
as more developers refine their PS3 engine or make the PS3 their lead platform...this is what we will be seeing more of.

Sure there will be games which look better on one vs the other, but thats the DEVELOPERS issue NOT the HARDWARES
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LightofDarkness - 65 days 17 hours ago
4 -
I knew Bioware had the right stuff to make the PS3 go to work like it was built to work.
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skeletonss - 65 days 17 hours ago
5 - Wait
So ps3 is better but has more framerate problems, more pop INS glitches and hicups. But it has better textures....

Damn, I'd rather have the "worse" textures and exclusive mass effect content ;)
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skeletonss - 65 days 16 hours ago
5.1 - At the disagree
I can't decide to get eggs or bacon for breakfast can you decide that for me ?

Idiot..
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LTC - 65 days 16 hours ago
5.2 - Well they did give the PS3 version .5 higher
So the differences must be really noticable otherwise it would have scored the same.
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blindfromthesun - 65 days 16 hours ago
5.3 - good point, @ 5
When did poorer frame rate > better textures? For all the PS3 fanboy's this is hardly the graphical win you should brag about. The game started devo 5 years ago and isn't going to win ANY awards in that department. If there is one thing you should focus on, it should be the game play and the frame rate of that game play. Gamespots review shows a clear preference for one aspect of the graphics, textures. Obviously, the differences are not extreme enough for many other websites (IGN included) to mention one version is the definitive console version. If you want "the best" version go with PC. Otherwise, beating the "bestest graphix" drum is pointless.
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kingdavid - 65 days 14 hours ago
5.4 -
Im not sure but I think this is osmething gamespot has only been incorporating recently. We saw it with borderlands ps3 version recieving .5 less and now this.

Is it a market ploy just to get fanboys from both sides talking about gamespot? Who knows. Either way, it seems to be pretty nitpicky.
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nycredude - 65 days 14 hours ago
5.5 -
"Textures are highly compressed and colors are washed out, though the upside is that this version maintains a smoother frame rate than on the PlayStation 3, where things might get jittery when swiveling the camera around."

They said the 360 maintains a smoother, not perfect frame rate, which leads me to believe it also has some framerate issues, plus the bad textures. Seeing that Bioware's previous 360 only game (mass effect) had terrible framerate I'm sure this one will on both versions also. That being said it didn't stop me from enjoying Mass Effect so I'm picking this up now.
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beardpapa - 65 days 7 hours ago
5.6 -
Both of em have frame rate problems, hiccups, as well as glitches. Just that one has better textures and another has smoother frame rates.

I've been playing the PC version for the past few days now and even that has hiccups and glitches.
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skeletonss - 65 days 16 hours ago
6 - Ahhhh
The smell of ps3 fAnboys desperate disagrees in the morning surley is a good sign for the rest of the day.
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gravv - 65 days 16 hours ago
7 -
to me its you that looked desperate, wasting 2 of your bubbles just to bother the people that disagreed with you rather than discussing the game itself....
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Gameplay999 - 65 days 16 hours ago
8 - I agree with skeletonss..
Fewer glitches, better draw-distance, and a smoother frame rate are all more important than better textures for sure. LTC , the numerical score is just a guideline , its the actual words in the review that matters not the number assigned from 1 - 10. Have fun playing with your '0.5'!
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omegaortega - 65 days 16 hours ago
9 - Well
Out of the 3 "core" platforms from this gen, (PC, PS3, 360).

This is a PC purchase by default for an owner of each.

About damn time, I'm not a fan of PC games that were noticeably ported from consoles. Even though most of those ports look incredible, sometimes the interface can have some quirks (see Borderlands PC).
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Hyrius - 65 days 16 hours ago
10 -
So it seems Bioware knows how to program on the PS3.

Looks like the future port of Mass Effect 2 won't be a problem.
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