Mass Effect 2 Xbox 360 vs. PC: HD Screenshot Comparison Checks Graphics and Interfaces

In that screenshot comparison Videogameszone checked the graphics and interfaces between the PC and Xbox 360 version of Mass Effect 2. Hint: Click on "Screenshot in HD" to view them in original size.

[THE MAX SPEED 21]

The screens arent of the best Quality...
but yeah PC looks better watcha expected?
Still getting it on xbox.

[N4PS3G]

It's expected to look better on PC...like every other game out there

but the difference is minor.. both versions are good choices

http://www.videogameszone.d...

[Natsu X FairyTail]

Xbox360 version it is for me.

[Bubbles_Kitty_Cat]

Both look great.

Can't wait to start playing it.

[ColdFire]

I don't see the point, or course PC looks better, mostly due to the much higher resolution which can't really be seen, and the screen are pretty poor quality as said above.

[Bungie]

Not much of a difference

PC always win

but getting the 360 version

[commodore64]

Well hmmm the PC version seems to be very slightly better.

Quite honestly, it's great that the 360 game looks so close to the PC game, though.

[Dev8 ing]

As always the 360 version looks washed out. That aside it also looks like the 360 version suffers from sever aliasing. Having played ME on both system I have to say that besides the obvious graphical, cost (only $50) and loading advantages the PC version has the major factor that gives the PC version the leg up is the controls. Using the mouse and keyboard is a lot easier for playing this game and made playing the 360 version a nightmare. Obviously I will be getting the PC version but not until it goes on sale on EA or Steam.

[pangitkqb]

Been playing through the first installment and am very excited for this new one. Dragon Age: Origins is pretty awesome too. Gotta Hand it to Bioware. They know what they are doing.

[Christopher]

PC version doesn't look like it's running on max/highest quality in those screens.

[jammy_70]

looks no way near as good as ps3 exclusives like uncharted 2

[Montrealien]

You know Jammy, having played some of the best games on PS3 and beeing lucky enough to have Mass Effect 2 in my 360 atm, I must say that for a 360 game, ME2 is very impressive visually. And it also plays really well on the 360 to boot. Visually the clear winner is the PC though.

And saying something like (looks no way near as good as ps3 exclusives like uncharted 2) is a clear exageration and simply shows us that you don`t know what you are talking about, sorry. If you play ME2 in 1080p and say it is not impressive at all, you just don`t have an eye for graphics, sorry.

[jammy_70]

ok maybe it'll look good playing but the pictures dont look to impressive, and im right cuz it wont look as good as uncharted 2.....

[hay]

@jammy_70: Visuals aren't top notch, but the first game visuals weren't either. This didn't prevent it from being one of the best games I've ever played.

[mastiffchild]

Great effort from Bioware in getting the 360 version so close to the PC one and doing it even better than they did wih the first Mass effect. I actually feel very pleased now that i decided to play through the first game again(and this time on 360 after first playthrough on PC)and get my char sorted to carry over to ME2 on the 360!

Seeing this has, though, made me realise JUST how lazy some other devs are when porting games to the 360 from PC(looks directly at Gabe and Valve for their shoddy efforts on 360 that feel EVEN more like cheap, easy money due to the lucky accident of the dev tools being so similar that they can just bash out lazy ports to make coin)and very thankful that Bioware try so hard and even more impresse by the THREE specialised teams Brink has working on it at SD!Good effort Bioware! That's how you make a PC/360 release look good on both platforms!Come on Valve, either just stick to PC or start giving us decent ports on the 360 as well as allowing some community and mod support for L4D1 and 2 so we get something close to the PC gamers experience-we certainly deserve it when we pay a LOT more(my 360 L4D cost £45 and my PC copy just $20 off Steam on promotion!).

[raztad]

Thankfully I dont need to upgrade for playing this game. Judging by the PC shots my laptop will be capable to run it at a very good framerate. Still need to finish ME1 though, very good game.

[blue7xx7]

I have to agree with N4PS3G the differences are hardly noticeable. I can hardly tell the difference.

[solidt12]

PC looks better but the 360 is close. I wonder what setting were the PC set too (Low Medium or High)

[Consoldtobots]

my 6th sense tells me that MS has quietly issued encouragement to developers to keep both versions on somewhat equal footing. Sure you can crank up the resolution (NOOB STUFF) but I wonder how much access they will customers to the graphic engine? You know the place where you can REALLY crank up the graphics by adjusting AA levels, frame buffers, post processing, anisotropic filtering, etc.

[nycredude]

I could care less about the graphics in this game. The first one has decent enough graphics but that is not why I played it. I loved the story. The only thing I care about is whether they fixed the bugs and glitches and the framerate issues in the first one.

[el zorro]

Hmm...I hardly notice a difference. Then again, just as is the case with multiplatform games, screenshots are not the best way to compare games. A lot of times the differences are things that won't be seen in a screenshot like frame rate and screen tearing.

That said, I have done a lot of comparisons between PC and 360 and PS3 games and the PC versions often are not that significantly better. I think some people exaggerate the graphical differences between the PC and 360 versions. Oftentimes there have been virtually no differences aside from higher anti-aliasing and higher resolution that the PC version offers. Obviously, if you have a PC and enjoy playing games that way then the PC versions are a no-brainer. For people that prefer the consoles I doubt that any of you would notice a difference big enough to really care.

Check out the comparison video between the 360 and PC version of Fallout 3. http://www.eurogamer.net/vi... Even in motion the difference is actually pretty small.

[mal_tez92]

Because not everyone has a great PC. I know my PC will be able to run it at high settings, but for those without a good computer, the comparsion may be misleading.

But whatever, I'm getting the PC version.

[SilentNegotiator]

"Anti-Aliasing: 0"

...so turn it on and compare it again.

[FamilyGuy]

The screen look almost IDENTICAL and that is a SURPRISE because the PC version SHOULD look miles better. If I were a PC gamer I'd be disappointed about that. 360 gamers should be pleased though.

[Arnon]

I'm just glad that both versions were developed for at the same time. I'm a PC gamer, and I'm not disappointed in the least bit. I've seen enough evidence of Mass Effect 2 to know that it's not only going to be an incredibly enjoyable experience, but a beautiful one at that.

[Nihilism]

lol @ people saying they looks the same, it doesn't even mention texture settings and it says that no AA is being used on the pc verion, I don't know about the rest of you but 16qaa is gonna look sweeeeeeeet

The pc version clearly looks a lot crisper, better contrast and colours, the 360 version looks like they slapped a layer of sepia over the top

@el zorro

Actually the difference is massive beyond belief, you can't judge based on a compressed internet video.

The draw distances on the pc version are about 5x as large ( even larger because I modded mine to go further than the highest in game setting by far ) the frame rates are doubled, resolution is much higher and higher res textures, better effects.

That's not even to mention the better controls etc

[goflyakite]

This is one game I wish were coming to the PS3. Especially considering they made Dragon Age on all three. Oh well, there's other good games to play.

About the graphics, I'll probably get disagreed with but, they aren't that impressive (on either). Maybe the size of the game is the reason.

[SaberEdge]

No, the graphics are very impressive. The most recent videos I have seen look incredible. It is definitely one of the best looking games I have seen on any console.

[CWMR]

-Wow, they both look great. It is truly a gorgeous game.-

[vhero]

PC destroys it but of course it will as The 360 in terms of technology is now 4 years behind what you expect. Not a shot at 360 but PC games are gonna look better 4 years on. Got the PC version already :)

[iMad]

soft armchair or sofa and a bigger TV screen make it 360 version for me.

[tdrules]

enjoy your awful interface

[ATi_Elite]

Yeh I'm a little upset cause they programmed this first for the gimped crapbox360 then ported it over to PC. I don't see any Directx 10 effects in those screenshots which is unexceptionable for a PC game in 2010

But You can play on your crapbox 360 in the living room and I'll play on my Monster PC in the living room on the big screen as well but at 1920 X 1080P FULL HD at 60 FPS.

What do you STUPID MICRO$uck BOTS think all those HDMI ports on the side of a TV are for?

Well since your crapbox can't out put Full HD I guess you wouldn't know.

PC had WIRELESS Mouse/keyboards/controllers way before consoles did.

So yes I'm on the couch gaming just like you:

except im pushing 60 fps in Full HD in one window, browsing the internet in another window all the while downloading Itunes and burning movies on one machine all at the same time.

[CernaML]

"PC had WIRELESS Mouse/keyboards/controllers way before consoles did.

So yes I'm on the couch gaming just like you:"

Not only that, you have the option to use a 360 controller on the PC. lol

[Gigalol]

"bubububu I PLAY TEH SUPERIOR VERSION ON PC ololololo"

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha droid moron

[Michael-Jackson]

360 has games? didn't know that, that's news to me /(0_o)/

[The real killer]

You are a clown, people like you don't give it damn about gaming on higher specification like PC or PS3 platforms.

[likedamaster]

"higher specification like PC or PS3 platforms."

PS3? You're funny.

[el zorro]

PS3 is no higher spec than the 360. It is actually lower spec in many respects. The PS3 has the advantage in the CPU, that's it. The 360 has the advantage in GPU, memory, and disc read speed.

PS3 and 360 are both older tech by PC standards. They can still put out some nice graphics though.

[CernaML]

"PS3 is no higher spec than the 360. It is actually lower spec in many respects."

And yet, PS3 exclusives are the only kind to up the graphical benchmark for consoles.

[Oner]

WOW! There is an UNBELIEVABLE amount of misinformation being spewed around here!

"The 360 has the advantage in GPU" ~ Only partially right but ultimately WRONG as it's not leaps and bounds "better" just a little. And because the PS3's Cell takes up and can be used to aid in graphics processing the graphical advantage goes to the PS3. So you CAN say the 360 has a "better" GPU but it honestly doesn't mean anything because it cannot graphically display or match what the PS3 is capable of. PERIOD. But if you take the time to read the link/information at the very bottom of this comment to be properly informed, enlightened and taught something correctly you may learn something.

"memory" ~ WRONG. The PS3 and 360 have the same amount of ram 512. It's just the PS3's is split. AND half of that "split" is XDR ram which is hands down at least 400% superior than that of ALL of the 360's 512 in itself even being only half @ 256. Again read the information/link below to learn something proper.

"disc read speed" ~ You are using "speed" improperly which ultimately makes you WRONG...because of this ~ a 12x speed CAV Dual Layer DVD is "slower" (in throughput) than a 2x CLV BD and since 99% of 360 games are CAV Dual Layer's this makes them "slower" and the PS3's BD "faster" (in throughput).

Here is that extra info I described earlier ~

Ram & RSX Explained - http://talkplaystation.com/...

"There has been a lot of talk about the Playstation 3’s Random Access Memory (RAM) vs Xbox 360’s RAM, saying that the 360 has more RAM to work with etc. Here’s an article to explain the situation of its RAM.

Just so you know that the PS3 has 512MB of RAM (256 for video and 256 for system). The Cell chip has 256MB of completely sharable RAM, the GPU has 256MB of dedicated RAM. Now the key here is what type of RAM it is.

The Playstation 3 has 256mb of GDDR3 at 700mhz and 256Mb of XDR at 3.2ghz. So what exactly is XDR ram? Here are some of the highlights:

* XDR makes PS3 super effiecient
* XDR aids in faster cache mapping, both direct and indirect
* XDR ram works by a pointer to pointer technology and needs very small buswidth for execution
* XDR is not just faster than GDDR3 but it is much more efficient
* XDR RAM works by breaking down data into several packets which prevents data loss and exceptions

The Rambus XDR™ memory architecture is a total memory system solution that achieves an order of magnitude higher performance than today’s standard memories while utilizing the fewest ICs. Perfect for compute and consumer electronics applications

The PS3 has two times as much cache at 2x the speed, making it way faster for direct/indirect mapping. Not only that but it has 512k of L1 cache + 1.7m of L2 cache for the 7 spes. The PS3’s GPU, RSX was made to work with the Cell processor, it is not some GPU they took and slotted in. It is made to be compatible with the Cell.

More RAM does not mean a faster system it means more data can be stored in a fast access area. Games don’t always need 512mb of RAM.

The RSX can freely use as much of the 512MB total RAM that the PS3 has because the Cell doesn’t need much RAM because its fast enough. And the fact that the PS3 has XDR means that it has faster access to data files.

A lot of people are saying that the RSX only has 256mb of RAM, whereas the 360’s GPU has 512MB of RAM. To make it sound a bit simpler, here’s the real deal. The PS3 has it’s RAM in two separate parts, 256MB for the RSX and 256MB that can be used be either the Cell or RSX."

[CWMR]

-You are full of it, oner.

You just wrote a bunch of unsupported claims.

I'll just leave you with words from an actual developer:
http://www.gamedaily.com/ar...

-"Fill rate is one of the primary ways to measure graphics performance - in essence, it's a number describing how many pixel operations you can perform. The fill rate on the PS3 is significantly slower than on the 360, meaning that games either have to run at lower resolution or use simpler shader effects to achieve the same performance," he says. "Additionally, the shader processing on the PS3 is significantly slower than on the 360, which means that a normal map takes more fill rate to draw on the PS3 than it does on the 360. And I'm not talking about small differences here, we're talking roughly half the pixel pushing power."

He also suggests that Blu-ray is not really an advantage: "[It's] great for watching movies, but not so great for games. Getting data off the Blu-ray drive takes about twice as long as it does to get the same data off the 360's DVD drive. That translates into longer load times, or god forbid if you're streaming from disk, tighter constraints on the amount of data you can stream."

He acknowledges that with the greater storage space of Blu-ray "there is the potential to use that to do something cool," but he argues that "most developers who use the entire Blu-ray drive are doing it to work around other problems with the PS3 such as its slow loading."

He adds, "For instance, in Resistance: Fall of Man, every art asset is stored on disk once for every level that uses it. So rather than storing one copy of a texture, you're storing it 12 times. If you took that entire game and removed all the duplicate data, it would likely fit on a DVD without any problem."

Ultimately, Booth says "the performance centric research into the PS3 has been around making it easier for developers to get the same level of performance you get out of the 360 naturally... developers must spend significantly more time and resources getting the PS3 to do what the 360 can already do easily and with a lot less code..."-

[Oner]

You're saying I'm full of it when you are using a quote from some BS ROCK BAND HARMONIX "dev" who can't properly use the hardware in the PS3 (are you freaking kidding me!?!?) and not to mention that "article" is well over 2 years old!?!?! PLUS on top of all that you fail to mention (& understand) that is a "theoretical peak fill rate" and that sure as hell is not the same as ACTUAL fill rate achieved in games!

First party exclusive titles have SHOWN the PS3 is graphically more capable than the 360 time and time again. This is not debatable. That is REAL WORLD verifiable. Hell I can even go as far to admit that my info is over a year old too but the difference it that doesn't change it's validity because IT'S ACTUAL TRUTH that has been verified and factual!

Anyone who can understand even the basics of computer technology, hardware architecture and how it relates to bandwidth (speed & power) cannot deny that though "certain types" will no matter what) and you can't hide the FACT that the PS3 has 4 times the internal bandwidth, twice the memory bandwidth and overall much faster ram than the 360!

These are VERIFIABLE FACTS not "conjecture" and "claims" such as yours.

[Michael-Jackson]

Yeah the PC version looks sharper and darker while the 360 version looks a bit washed out, no thanks. 360 has games ;)

[The real killer]

PC version is gimped by the 360 hardware.
Thank you damn Bioware i will not buy your game if you gimped the PC version.

All multiplats even the PC version will gimped by the 360 hardware.

[iMad]

Either 360 will not sell.

btw 360 version will be 80% of all sales, because PC gaming is dead.

[t850]

if pc gaming were to die, microsoft and sony would shamelessly charge you 100usd per game.

hence its not something to be proud about.

[Corrwin]

Higher Resolution Textures
Higher Anti Aliasing
Less Restrictive Mip-Mapping

Though you'll notice almost none of that when running side by side, because it's full of a futuristic environment and clothing (a lot of sleek, flush panels and plastic materials with almost no texture to even render), and they've done a damned good job of it, too.

I wish it was on PS3 ;_;

[NinjaRican]

Normandy space on home FTW!

[ChozenWoan]

Of all the games on the 360, this is the only one I really wish was on the PS3... ohh well. I'm waiting to see if there will be a PS3 "sigma" version of both 1&2 within the next year or so. Otherwise I'll just get the trilogy on PC and save the most money that way....
Yea I'm cheap. ;P

[Corrwin]

That's the odd thing:

Techmo managed to make NG:Sigma even though it was a paid for exclusive. But under IP laws, if you change enough of a product to be considered a whole new product, you can sell it on, without breaking the exclusivity clause.

EA and Bioware have gone on record saying there is no Exclusivity deqal with MS, they just happened to develop only for 360 as that was to be released first.

They could easily port to PS3 (since they're both Unreal Engine games). Which is why I have hope for a collector's edition some day. Maybe (probably, if at all) after ME3 is out for at least 6 months.

[Corrwin]

I love when people disagree and don't tell you why.

This rating system needs to stop being anonymous. The quality of my posts doesn't improve because I don't know what's wrong with it!

[Halo3 MLG Pro]

Not much of a difference to play it on a gamer rig.

360 FTW! :)

[Guido]

One, the PC version looks way better and will run much smoother. Second, the PC is far more reliable and won't die halfway through the game due to some RROD issue. In the end, it is an RPG and RPG's are just plain better on the PC.

[Dev8 ing]

Obviously you're trying to flame but the advantages of PC version are
1) Graphics
2) Faster load times
3) Price ($50)
4) Controls (M & K FTW)

[Guido]

How is stating the truth equal to flaming? I speak the truth and you seem to agree. Can't we just call it what it is?

[Corrwin]

"Controls (M & K FTW)"

Yeah Mouse and Keyboard make a big difference in an Role Playing Game that calculates your accuracy based on assigned skill points.

Did you even think about what you were typing??

[Arnon]

I'm a PC gamer, and even though it's common knowledge that the game will perform better on the PC, there's VERY minor differences between the two versions being shown, which goes to show that anyone who purchases the game on the 360 version will really not miss out.

[LONEWOLF231]

Hmmmm wonder if ME2 is DX11 compatible........????
Anyways cant wait to play this.....Tuesday cant come any sooner.

[ATi_Elite]

No ME2 is not Directx 11 capable because those JERKS made a 360 version then ported it to PC.

Totally unexceptable in 2010 for any PC game not to use Directx 10 or 11

ME2 will play smooth on the 360 or Pc because it's a rpg w/ limited FPS
Regardless the PC has the mouse/keyboard or controller option (LOGITECH or PS3 controller screw xbox controller)

Big difference = ME2 PC will get a graphics mod and will look way better than what it looks now.

PC 1920 X 1080P FULL HD at 60 fps

Xbox360 1280 X 720 30 fps

[Corrwin]

Wow... a lot of hardcore M&K fans disagreeing it seems... don't like the fact the game aims for you? Perhaps you should stick you FPSs, then?

[ProjectVulcan]

Its clearly just ported from 360 again, and the shots are poor. Minimum effort to take advantage of the extra performance PC offers, although PC gamers should probably just be glad its on their platform of choice rather than hoping for significant enhancements. As a PC gamer though im getting a little tired of saying that. :( Still no anti aliasing support in engine for PC thanks to unreal engine 3. Hopefully nhancer can solve that quickly. However as usual the PC version will have the rather nice advantage of being capable of running 1920 x 1080 and 60 frames a second. Which is exactly what its gonna be doing when i sit down to this next week in front of my HDTV.

[Demon5500]

What did you expect?

Benutzte Auflösung PC: 1920x1080 - High Quality Bloom: On / Film Grain: Off / Motion Blur: On / Dynamic Shadows: On / Light Environment Shadows: On / Number of Cinematic Lights: drei (von max. drei) / Use Spherical Harmonic Lighting: On / Anisotropic Filtering: 16x
Anti-Aliasing: 0

And people are going to bag a 360 over a pc worth +2000usd. when a 360 cost a lot less, then one of the new ati/nvidia high end cards. And the 360 version looks dam close...............:) wouldn't you say. 360
Version for me first play through second play through pc version?

update @ mensaap , Do not get me rouging with pc costing a lot cheaper these day but the pc that is benchmarked here cost 2000+usd, but I do agree with you. but do you really need to by a pc to enjoy mass effect 2 or with the 360 service. of course if your a pc gamer on a budget it might be cheaper to get a 360?, A lot off early people are posting that there pc are having trouble running mass effect 2 as it is, so upgrades will be on most peoples mind right now,

On a side note, dam I hate dell laptops these bloody keyboard stuff up all the time bloody hell??? :(

[mensaap]

A pc doesn't costs 2000 dollars ...

I'm sick of that stereotype

a good decent one is about 800 dollars

still more expensive then a 360, but it's A PC
U don't have to pay to have excellent online features,
better graphics (if the dev's want to at least)
better controls (it's still a shooter)

and when you're done gaming, u can do your normal internet stuff

OW and pc games are cheaper, u'll save money in the long run (at least for now, stupid activision bastards)

[ProjectVulcan]

Well you hardly need a high end new card to run this. Just from the shots now i can tell you a budget card will run it better than 360, higher resolution etc. But theres my point. Bioware havent exactly worked hard to take advantage of the sort of performance on offer on PC. Something like a 4870 costs a hundred quid these days, and they are at least four times as fast as 360's GPU.

I mean there is a balance, you dont want to isolate people with budget machines, but thats the entire point of having settings....lol. Maximum settings should be significantly better than a four year old console and there isnt much excuse why they shouldnt be

[Motion]

So your console costs around $300, and you probably have some kind of budget pc, we'll put that at around $300-$400.

Rather than buy both of those,just build a gaming pc for around $600-$700.

Hell, for that matter, go get a job and buy both if you really want.

[TheIneffableBob]

"Do not get me rouging with pc costing a lot cheaper these day but the pc that is benchmarked here cost 2000+usd"

The hell? The article never mentioned any PC specs so you're just pulling that number out of your ass.

[wicko]

You can play Crysis on a PC that costs 600 or less.. you'll be able to handle this game on a PC that can do Crysis easily.

[LostDjinn]

6.4 - ""Do not get me rouging with pc costing a lot cheaper these day but the pc that is benchmarked here cost 2000+usd"

The hell? The article never mentioned any PC specs so you're just pulling that number out of your ass."

Agreed. Let's hope Demon5500 was wearing gloves.

[Demon5500]

These are the spec settings for the pc rig

Benutzte Auflösung PC: 1920x1080 - High Quality Bloom: On / Film Grain: Off / Motion Blur: On / Dynamic Shadows: On / Light Environment Shadows: On / Number of Cinematic Lights: drei (von max. drei) / Use Spherical Harmonic Lighting: On / Anisotropic Filtering: 16x
Anti-Aliasing: 0

Did you notice some thing, that's right no AA "Anti-Aliasing" is being used on the pc version to bad hey. All the ps3 guys all ways have to bag out the 360 version and the 360 is running 4xaa @ 720 and 2xa @ 1080p Hana upscale. I would wait for the movies and better screen shots before really pulling it apart......:)

[ColdFire]

I don't know whether the PC version supports AA and it was disabled, or if the 360 will support AA. But given they both run similar DX9 software, but PC's can have much better hardware, I suspect if 360 has AA, then PC has AA.

[ProjectVulcan]

Mass effect 1 on 360 ran with 2 x AA, although it was only some edges much like gears of war 1. Mass effect 2 reportedly has NO anti aliasing on 360. Its likely with the framerate problems and such on the first game bioware have disabled it and used the resources to shore up performance. So dont listen to someone claiming it has 4 x AA on 360, it totally doesnt. Thats obvious enough from these shots anyway there are plenty of jaggies lurking you simply wouldnt see with that level of AA.

PC version i know does not have an in game option for AA much like the first. However i also know that if you have nvidia geforce 8 or later (preferably at least an 8800GT) and nhancer you could force AA on top of the engine with rather a steep performance penalty. Its almost certain to work on this too. But the best option will be to simply play it at as high resolution as possible.

[QuantumWake]

Well according to DigitalFoundry's gamescom ME2 tech analysis. They said that ME2 is v-synced with 2x MSAA. With resolution up to 720p. But who knows... This might have changed overtime.

Source: http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

[Nihilism]

Man you really are an idiot, the fact that the pc version has no AA and still looks so much better just says that the pc version is even more superior and that it will look better with AA, Hint: Mass effect 1 supported AA, so will this game.

I will be running it with 16qaa, it also doesn't mention the texture settings at all, it will look much much better than these shots here.

EDIT:

The PC screens were taken at 720p, who the hell plays pc games at that res, I'll be using 1080p native.

Add another +1 in the PC column

[awi5951]

plus i got crazy 30" surround speakers that my neighbors can hear across the street and they think a war is going on when im playing modern warfare 2. So im relaxing on my sofa with my 46" Hd and blasting sound. Plus my ass still hurts from playing too much dragon age origins on pc and playing fallout 3 again. My butt needs a rest so im going to relax on console.

[Consoldtobots]

why not go out for a jog??

too much sitting on your tush gives you hemorrhoids.

[likedamaster]

Yeah, both versions look outstanding. Many will choose PC for the HUD, M&Kb controls, and res... and vice versa.

[divideby0]

since I have both 360 and a gaming PC
...PC for me...
cheaper (and free for some)and expansion for free
and of course looks better cause hardware costs more
no online play so live is a non issue

[NinjaRican]

Going to buy it on the 360 then wait for the price to go down for the PC one. But they really should think about a PS3 port so every one can enjoy Mass Effect...

[tdrules]

thats a horrible UI for 360...

if ME1 looked this good on my rig, ME2 will look even better
http://screenshot.xfire.com...

[Dmitry Orlov]

it's the same ui from ME1 on 360 +some minor changes. horrible or not, I love it and I'm used to it after 6+ playthroughs.

[iamgoatman]

The 360's UI in ME1 suited an analog stick pretty well actually, and the PC versions UI was a lot more suited for a keyboard.

I think it's good that they actually catered for both control types, better than having to use a keyboard for something designed for a stick, or vice versa.

[Troll_Police]

Sony Vaio version for me!!!

[pansenbaer]

Lame trolling dude. You using Sony's OS too?

[hoops]

Why is it that when a multiplatform game is released on ALL formats including the PC, PS3 fanboys ALWAYS and i mean ALWAYS state on N4G.COM they plan to get it on the PS3 format even though the PC version is superior and the cost of the game is almost $15 cheaper and then claim to have ALL the consoles and a gaming PC....YET When a multiplatform game is released on the Xbox360 and PC only those same Sony fanboys say they will get it on the SUPERIOR PC version...Hey why did you not say in the first place you would have gotten the "SUPERIOR PC version" when games come out on ALL systems INCLUDING THE P3 as I stated above? But you opted for the "INFERIOR PS3 version :P
You have to love the fanboys on this site LOL

[Troll_Police]

@hoops

Because I don't have nor want an Xbox. Mass Effect is the best "exclusive" on the Xbox yet I don't need an Xbox to play it. Same with Splinter Cell, I'm getting the Sony Vaio version for that game too.

[Montrealien]

Sony Viao`s are horrible laptops. I guess you take what your mommy bought ya right?

[maxcer]

lol! way to try and brag about your Dell, if you didn't build it yourself it's not a PC

[snp]

Not sure who you are referring to, but i own a PC and PS3 and have stated numerous times occasions i bought - or situations i'm likely to buy - the PC version. Usually because of combination of price/controls/graphics. I've stated this for Dragon Age, for MW2, for the upcoming DC Universe - for all number of games. I have Mass Effect 1 on PC and will be getting Mass Effect 2 on PC, but would be doing so irrespective of whether a PS3 version is released.

Consoles, for me, are more for games like God of War or Ratchett and Clank etc and i've never said a word otherwise.

Strawman?

[silvacrest]

i dont even care about what seems to be a minor difference, i just wish the leaked torrent version was for the PC :/

[Letros]

Can't tell sh!t from these screens.

[Cosquae]

Yeah. If the Xbox runs it at 720p, who on the PC plays at 720p? Since there's thousands of variations of PC settings for this game, why not show a few screens from min to max? Low res all the way up to 2500x1600?

This does look like an Xbox first, PC second game design but I think that's understandable since Bioware's DA:O was a PC first, Xbox/PS3 second design.

[mcnablejr]

360 is the obvious choice, surround sound, bravia, sofa (obvious choice) unless you like being 12cm away from your tiny screen.

[taylork37]

bubbles to that

[peeps]

"12cm away from your tiny screen."

some ppls pc monitors are bigger than their tv's... or they even use their tv as a monitor...

[Xbox360_owns]

Some are but most aren't. one the main reasons I switched to XBOX 360, comfortable recliner big screen. This is good reason as to why the consoles should be updated every 4 to 5 years. Game still looks really good.

[mcnablejr]

''SOME ppls pc monitors are bigger than their tv's... or they even use their tv as a monitor... ''

''some'' being the very small minority.

[mcnablejr]

dont you agree.?

[CernaML]

lol Wow. Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber you spout that bullsh*t.

"''some'' being the very small minority."

That's not the point. PCs are still able to hook up to TVs and support higher resolutions and higher framerates, better sound, better multitasking capabilities (you can hook up a PC to both a monitor AND a TV simultaneously!), and better online features (duh). If PC gamers don't choose to do that then that shouldn't concern you. They obviously have reasons for that. Anyway, PC gaming is far from over. And even if it is, it'll be known as the longest supported gaming platform... ever.

[mesh1]

360 version looks basically the same as the pc good job bioware the 360 is a beast

[iamgoatman]

Great, we get another console port.

I was getting ready to preorder my copy on PC, after playing through the 1st on the 360 as well as on PC, but judging by these shots I'm not sure if it's really worth the higher res/clarity and risk seeing the same performance issues that plagued the first. I put up with the sometimes severe frame drops and almost constant stuttering in large areas in the hope that they wouldnt make the same mistake by doing a straight port on ME2, but that's what it looks like.

Even though the screenshots aren't perfect, you can see the texture resolutions are extremely similar on both (although it is not mentioned what res the textures are set to), with the PC version looking marginally better in terms of contrast and clarity. Of course you'd probably notice a larger difference when running a resolution of say 1680x1050 with the 360 version being upscaled to fit same monitor size. But still, the difference is minimal at best.

I guess i'll just wait and see how the PC version runs and benchmarks, before making a descision on which system to get ME2 for.

[Red Eyed Gamer]

Linux for me :D

[jalen247]

The PC version looks better but not by a lot. The Xbox version holds its own quite well.

In my opinion, this is the best looking 360 game and one of the 360's best games.

Congrats to PC and 360 owners.

[hoops]

@TrollPolice

Lets put it this way:

I am new to this site and I see patterns with all fanboys. The one i mentioned above is not entirely directed towards you but its something i have come across quite a bit on this site:

When a game is cross platform and on the PC as well, Sony fanboys who state they have gaming PC's ALWAYS state that they will get the PS3 version even though the PS3 version is inferior in most cases to the PC for the onvious reasosn. Those same fanboys then will say they will get the "superior" PC version of a game when its only available for the PC and Xbox360 even though they have ALL systems.
My point is this:
With that logic why would they EVER opt for the console version (PS3) of a multiplatform game when they have all systems and the PC is superior for that game and cheaper to boot?
Answer: because they are trolling.
Its the SAME EXACT THING THAT HAPPNED last generation when the Xbox1 was more powerful then the PS2 and MS fanboys would do the same thing. Fanboys are fanboys. Nothing has changed.

[ryuzu]

Maybe they're worried their 360 will RRoD on them so they prefer the PC version of 360 "exclusives".

Not only that, but as things stand there are several excellent games that are *only* on PS3. So there's no choice - PS3 or don't play.

With a few notable exceptions, that isn't the case with the 360, so why risk breaking the hardware if the option is just to get a PC version.

Besides which, the 360 is old - even an older PC can run 360 ports comfortably and the games are cheaper too.

Certainly, while I played ME1 on 360, I think ME2 I'll get for PC - not sure my (still original) 360 could take the strain...

r.

[artsaber]

But ryuzu does have a few very good points.

1) There are PS3 play or no play true exclusives, which are usually their cream of the crop games.

2) You don't have to own a 360 to play some of their best games if you already own a capable PC

3) As far as reliability goes, if you can avoid having a 360, still play the better/cheaper version of the 360's hottest games on a dependable PC, then why WOULD someone buy a 360 with a history of hardware woes to play these games on? It makes logical sense, even though I gravitate towards consoles.

If I get ME2, it will probably be for the 360 because my main PC is busted... looking at rebuilding via Barebones kit. Any suggestions?

[Unicron]

Conversely Hoops, why, anytime a title comparison between 360 and PS3 ports comes up, the Xbox fanboys will go on and on about having the superior version with slightly less screen tearing or 1 extra frame per second? They droll on and on about how they want the best experience possible.

But when someone adds the PC into the equation, suddenly it's trolling? Interesting take there.

[maxcer]

@7.2

rebuilding should be fairly cheap, seeing as you have most of the parts you need already.

i shop here for parts www.ncix.com, but for my american neighbors to the south i hear www.newegg.com is a good site

[Troll_Police]

@Hoops

Let me explain something to you. There is no such thing as a PC version of PS3 exclusives. What are these PC versions of PS3 exclusives that you speak of. You don't need an Xbox to play their best games but you have to have a PS3 to play the PS3 exclusives.

[el zorro]

If there are so many PS3 fanboys running around here that also have PCs then why in the world would they say they are getting the PS3 versions of multiplatform games instead of the PC versions? If you have a PC and a PS3 then by the standard logic you clearly get the PC version. But you almost never hear PS3 fanboys say they are getting the superior PC version when it is a multiplatform game found on the PC/360/PS3.

It's obvious what is going on here.

@Unicron

You think you are catching 360 fanboys in some kind of dastardly hypocrisy, but if you think things through there are very real differences between the two situations.

People like me decided to buy a 360 and a PS3 because there were exclusives on both consoles that I wanted more than the exclusives on the PC. I got the 360 for its exclusives like Halo 3, Gears of War 2, Fable 3, etcetera, as well as because it was a good console to get all the multiplatform games on. I got the PS3 because it was a good Blu-ray player and had a few exclusives I wanted. After buying a 360 and a PS3 I don't have the money to buy a gaming PC this generation (nor enough incentive, since few PC exclusives interest me). There are a few games I want on the Wii as well, but I don't have the money to get that platform either.

So, if I only have a PS3 and a 360 and I say I prefer to get most multiplatform games for my 360 I am not being inconsistent. Those are the two consoles I own and of course I want to get the best versions of multiplatform games available to me. Ok? Clear enough?

On the other hand, if you own a PC and a PS3 as so many of these fanboys claim then why wouldn't you get all your multiplatform games for your PC and only exclusives for the PS3? But we never see these people in the normal multiplatform game articles saying they will get the "superior version". This is inconsistent and is even more evidence that most of these people are lying.

[peeps]

shame there are only 3 pics and only 1 of them is even remotely similar lol but i guess it shows what every1 wudda guessed anyway, pc version is better than the 360 version but only just.

graphics arn't the main thing here tho, will be more down to performance, mods and so on. i hear the pc version of the original was less buggy compared to the console version

[xg-ei8ht]

Both look excellent.

But the gameplay still looks boring to me.

I really tried to get into the first game.

But the combat was poor./slow/

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[ThePiousPriest]

I know in the Catalyst Control Panel for ATI Cards, you can adjust AA even if the particular game has no option for it, is it the same way with Nvidia? ME 2 may not have native AA support but some is better than none.

[Letros]

You can force AA by renaming the executive file UT3.exe, works on many UE3 games, unfortunately this isn't possible with the Steam version.

Thankfully for PC games, the resolution is so high aliasing is minimal.

[ThePiousPriest]

Yeah, I was just messing around with everything, I got the original ME to be maxed out on my monitor's resolution (1080) maxed out the game settings with 4x AA on, and it ran smoothly on my set up (i7 920 stock settings and 4890's in Crossfire)

[Letros]

nice rig

[Cosquae]

@1080p with an i7 920 and 2x 4890's, you can run every single PC game flat out with 4xAA ;)

[Letros]

Yep, running a Phenom II 955 BE with a 5850, it's a both sad and rather nice all games run flawless maxed at 1080p, I guess we'll have to wait until Xbox 720 to change that, or until mainstream DX11 titles are out. Ungine engine utilizes system power rather nicely.

[Unicron]

I'll get the superior PC edition. This is a great, great series and I can't wait to dig in!

[gdguide]

What annoys me is we have say a Bayonetta PS3 vs 360 comparison, and people will slam the PS3 version. When the PC looks better than the 360 version, both will get the exact same score and it doesn't matter. LOL

[Cosquae]

PC/console review scores aren't really comparable.

PC looks better (potentially) in all multi-plat games but often gets the same scores.

MW2 for the PC looked better than the consoles but got a lower score because of the same multiplayer ;)

[hoops]

The difference in Bayonet for example is huge between the two console versions. IF you play the xbox360 version first then the PS3 version, then you will know why the scores are different.

[Darkspade]

The PC got it, but dam the Xbox 360 is Close...

[Figboy]

it sucks that all these games are coming out when me and my wife are in the middle of moving, therefore funds are bit low.

[-MD-]

Anybody mad they have to support Microsoft to play this game or resort to being a thief? I'm smiling at all of you =)

[Sunny_D]

Who said gamers cared if they're theifs or not? Gamers have no conscious! MUHAHAHA!

Oh, it's IS* anybody mad...

[-MD-]

Yeah, well "MUAHAHAHA!" Isn't a complete sentence so try harder.

[CernaML]

Well... if you buy this for the PC, I don't think you're supporting Microsoft in any way unless it uses Games For Windows.... But even if it does I don't think Microsoft is being supported at all.

[Xtremist]

...which is very impressive for the X360 considering that is running the 5th year of its lifecycle.

[magicwalnuts]

The only difference I can see in these low rez screen shots is that the 360 version has a lower level of or perhaps no AA. Also I played both versions of the original, and honestly the controls on the 360 were so bad I would almost go so far as to say that they were broken (lol @ radial menus). The PC version was MUCH improved, biotics and issueing orders to your teammates was much more intuative, and the cover system and combat didn't quite feel as hectic. Bioware's games have always enjoyed prime time controls on the PC, even KotOR, which came out months earlier on the Xbox, enjoyed better controls on the PC.

[xg-ei8ht]

Come on hoops, Bayonetta is a port, no surprise there.

You act as if it's a masterpiece of graphics.

Graphics are worse the DMC4 imo, although in some cases look similar.

I've played both versions and yes the 360 version is superior.

But i also know, bayonetta runs on the ppe, no spu's.

There you go, your own site.

http://screenshots.teamxbox...

With some nice screentear to boot.

If your impressed with those graphics, ROFL.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Absolutely gorgeous port.

Getting the PC version, but wouldn't mind getting it on 360 at ALL if I had one.

Gonna be an amazing game, guys!

[champ21]

pc version for sure.

superior and cheaper.

[ATi_Elite]

Mass Effect 2 PC has been gimped by the 360.

I see no Directx 10 effects in these screenshots and there is no excuse for any PC game not to use Directx 10 or 11 effects in PC games.

I don't know what you BOTS are talking about and obviously neither do you but I can easily game on my Sofa with my PC connected to the Big screen and game WIRELESSLY, Keyboard/mouse or controller.

Except unlike you BOTS, when I game on my Sony Bravia I'm playing at 1920 X 1080P FULL HD 60 FPS unlike your 1024x720 30 fps crapbox360

[jy_mrnd]

Getting it for pc.

[horndog]

Why would Bioware make the p.c the leading plaform when the 360 is by far the most popular choice??. Who the Fck still games on a p.c anyways?? Yes it has it's advantages mainly in graphics but there's also the price difference. All p.c are good for is downloading sh!t, doing research, streaming videos or surfing NOT SO MUCH FOR GAMING ANYMORE. ITS A DYING MARKET. SORRY YOU WASTED HUNDREDS ON A RIG THAT WON'T SEE AS MUCH ACTION AS THE CONSOLES.

[CernaML]

Someone is mad. lol

[djtek184]

Still not on par with today's standard. PC version slightly better though.

[Vortex3D]

People keeps saying PC version has better graphics but how good would the graphics and framerate be if the PC hardware is around $250? That's the closest comparison to X360 console price.

Of course if you buy expensive PC hardware, sure the PC version can run with better graphics. A high end PC video card alone costs more than the X360 console.

[ThePiousPriest]

A GTX 260 runs you about the same as an arcade if not close after sales tax in some states. New Egg has them at around 225, less than an elite and less than a PS3. Last Gen Tech but still beats the 360 and PS3 GPUS into a pulp. Now the 5970 and the New Fermi based GPUs that will be out soon, yeah that will cost you a pretty penny.

[SaberEdge]

I don't see how you can say that. I was researching things when I was considering getting a gaming PC and the cheapest I could come up with was about $500 not even including a copy of Windows. I won't pirate anything and I don't have a copy of any Windows OS, so that would add even more cost.

In the end I didn't feel it was worth it to me to spend $600 to $800.

[champ21]

600-800usd for a machine that really does everything is a bargain.

also consider. pc games are alot cheaper then console games. in the long run. games price alone make pc a better deal.

2yrs of gaming on the 600-800usd pc, will make the pc cheaper to game on then any console. plus gaming is not the onlything a pc can do.. there is a lot lot more to pcs.

[Campy da Camper]

I got an ASUS laptop for xmas. It has the 1g Nvidia GTX260, 6 gigs of DDR2 (wish it was DDR3) and a dual core. It can run Crysis at high settings with some framerate drops. I adjusted the physics down a tad and now its smooth like butter.

All for $999.99 at Best Buy. That, to me, is a pretty cheap deal on a decent gaming rig that is a laptop to boot.

EDIT: And after playing Crysis I will only go back to consoles for exclusives (PS3). The game is frigging unbelieveable.

MAXIMUM STRENGTH!

[champ21]

i got simular latop too, which i use for my work and i use it to game on while i am traveling.

haha playing games @ 1080p 60fps while on the plane > beats everything lol.

Also it can be hooked up to to a hdmi tv and function just like a console.

I wirelessly connect the ps3 controller to my laptop to play from the couch at times.

[Winkle92]

This is one of the only exclusive games (well almost exclusive) that I have ever seen not being completely slandered by fanboys. It's so refreshing to see people giving calm, well thoughtout opinions of a game. I wish it was like this for all games...

[azmanmanz]

my eyes is bleeding when look at 360 screenshots

[Hurrikane88]

What about load times ??? I suspect the 360 is painfully slow + disc swap .... Another dummied down 360 port for the PC faithful ...sigh

[PS360PCROCKS]

360 version has obvious lower AA and a lack of clarity like the PC. But if they look this close, that's a win for the 360.

[Xtremist]

It's the same amount of AA. It looks like 2X for both versions.
Unless you meant that with a HiEnd pc you will be able to use higher levels of AA and AF.

[darkequitus]

I had the game on both machines. I am getting the PC version only because I finished it on the PC and want to carry over my character. I bought it for $5 dollars on steam when I misplaced my 360 disk.

ME is the only RPG I have ever finished. Can't wait.

[SolidMGSnake]

Higher resolution, higher smooth buttery framerate.

[KingKiff]

Anyone that's says PC gaming is dead is a fool... get a better job and pay for quality like the rest of us... Just because you can't afford it does not make it dead...

It is console fangirls like all of you that is making gaming more mediocre everyday. If we all had PC's the standard of games would be much much higher than the crap passed off to Xbox and PS3 owners today...

ALL YOUR FAULT CONSOLE LOOSERS...

If you want better games don't all rush out and but the "Budget" console... i.e. Xbox = budget crap...

[t850]

consoles and budget doesnt make sense in the same sentence.

not only are consoles costly, the gaming experience is inferior as well.

I see no point in owning a console aside the handful of exclusives the ps3 has, thats about it.

[robotnik]

The Xbox version looks like a steaming pile of bull excrements.

[DelbertGrady]

This site should stop making comparisons. They are so crappy it hurts to watch them.

Anyways, PC version looks better of course, but at the same time I'm surprised the difference isn't bigger. Could have to do with the specs of the PC. Looks very good on both platforms though.

[VanHalen]

Well, i guess this is what pc gamers pay the extra $1000 for. haha, guess its worth it for the 10% difference in graphics! some people are so hard headed. consoles only here!

[t850]

keep deluding yourself by saying that.

you could get a gaming rig for about 600-800usd, if you already have a pc at home with a dual core cpu all you need is a 150usd gpu upgrade (much cheaper then getting any console) and much better performance.

you cant tell the difference by just seeing the pics alone, good frame rate at higher resolutions means alot.

I bet pc gamers are laughing at you for paying 10-15usd extra per game, aside paying charges to go online lol. When you consider all of that xbox eventually becomes the most expensive platform to game on, pc being the cheapest.

Its funny console gamers use cost as a reason for playing on consoles.

[Karum]

PC version looks better but not head and shoulders better.

[OpiZA]

My eyes were quickly snapping up and down trying to tell the difference in the second shot, when i was like WTF! Floating Miranda head!!!

Won't lie, got a tiny scare. What a dumbass.

[VanHalen]

well you keep telling yourself that man. you enjoy having to keep putting money into a stupid pc to upgrade all the time? the meager dying library of games you have and constant freezing? i can go on and on why gaming on a pc just makes no sense. people that do that are lost and make no sense either. seriously, for what? why? graphics are the same, its no different. perfect example, i had a friend that swore up and down by pc gaming. always bragging to me how pc games graphics are better and faster. that was years ago. now all he games on is a ps3, when i asked him what happened why dont you game on pc anymore. he replied: well theres really no point in it anymore, games on the console look just as good and i dont have to worry about keep upgrading all the time and pouring cash into it when it gets a virus or breaks down i cant game either. this dude was a hardcore pc gamer too. i used to tell him all the time, so i laugh at people like you when you say things like that. talk about deluding yourself, haha!