G4TV: Mass Effect 2 PS3 vs Xbox 360 Comparison, Does Mass Effect 3 Engine Improve the PS3?

The Mass Effect 2 demo on the PS3 is available to download on the PlayStation Network and according to BioWare, the PS3 version of Mass Effect 2 will be using the Mass Effect 3 engine to provide a smoother gameplay experience. Is that true? How does the PlayStation 3 version compare to the Xbox 360 version of Mass Effect 2? G4TV put this question to the test to find out the differences and similarities between the demo on both consoles.

[ASTAROTH]

Ok I really dont see much difference. I has yet to download this demo and compare to my 360 version but as far as the video this game is identical. Also dont expect it to look like ME3 thats not the purpose of using the new engine. Another comparison blown out of proportion by fanboy sites like LOT. The same was said about the "superior" 360 version of Dead Space 2. You know what gamers? Enjoy the games!! And dont believe all the media has to say!!

[Chug]

I finally got around to playing the demo today and although the intro/cutscenes do have a lot of screen tearing, the actual gameplay looks pretty good to me.

[Nitrowolf2]

Thats the only area where i notice screen tearing, throughout the rest where it's full gameplay i really didn't notice any, if there was it wasn't as bad then.

[disturbing_flame]

Cool, this games deserves to be played.

HS :
Why Bioware said the game runs better on PS3 ?
And why the hell EA let them say that ?

Now if people compare they see it's not true, i mean if they want to sell the game on its capacity to be superior to other version it looks like they have failed in their communication plan, if you sell a product and you say to your customers it's the best version it's ok if it's right now if it's not the case the argument you used to promote your product is invalid, that's clearly a poor move from Bioware.

Why did they only say : Ok guys, the game runs as good as other platforms (PC is by far the superior version on high settings). You don't lie to your customers, you have a lisible communication and you make a smart move to sell your game.

If they think it's the best console version, i hope for them they can explain why they said that.

[Bigpappy]

Too many emotions are surrounding this game coming to PS3. People just aren't sure how they should react. Some people will only play it if the consensus is that it looks better than the 360 version. Some plepole don't want to play it because it was not on PS3 first. Some people hate it because it was on 360 and got higher acclaim than PS3 exclusive, and they believe that there is no way a game on 360 could be better that a PS3 exclusive be cause Sony bought all the best developers and tha PS3 is a superior console.

I would just say that I played it, and it was the best game I played in 2010. Wether it is better than PS3 exclusive? I have no idea. Does it look better on 360 than PS3? Don't give a rats behind. DA looked better on PS3 and I completely enjoyed it on 360. I think when the game releases on PS3 next month, it will look better on PS3. Who cares? Don't answer that. Because if you do, you wouldn't be getting a rebuttal from me.

Thats all I got.

[Focker420]

Stop comparing DEMOS!!!!!! Wait for the full f*cking game before you start nit-picking every tiny detail. This is completely pointless. Whos to say that they even used the brand new engine in the demo?? We just found out like two weeks ago that they even had a new engine. All I ask is that we stop these redundant comparisons until the full game comes out.

[Sarcasm]

Well that's what happens when you have one of the 360's biggest games go to the PS3.

But honestly, who really cares. The experience will be the same on the PS3 and for some reason those who haven't played it yet, I hope they enjoy it.

But for any PC gamers out there right now who haven't picked it up, I suggest you guys cop the PC version for $9.99 off steam RIGHT NOW

[CWMR]

I spent several hours comparing the two versions and the results were somewhat surprising.

-Right off the bat the PS3 version was a little darker and colors looked slightly more saturated, but by dropping the brightness down one notch in the setting menu it made the 360 versions slightly darker than the PS3 version and colors looked pretty close to the PS3 version, maybe just a little more saturated.

-Specular lighting at first seemed better on the 360 version in the beginning where you first start the demo because Shepard had specular highlights and lit-up areas on his back that were missing in the PS3 version. However, later I saw areas where the PS3 version showed specular lighting in different spots. What I came to realize is that the lighting sources have been moved around a bit and therefor the resulting specular lighting on the characters was different between the two builds.

-The 360 version seemed to have slighty fewer jaggies in some places, but overall they were fairly close in terms of aliasing.

-Fire effects in the destroyed Normandy looked more real and convincing in the 360 version. It could be that they were higher resolution. The flames moved with more fluidity and were of a higher quality on the 360.

-Shadows, such as when Shepard first wakes up on the table, look more sharply delineated on the PS3 version, but the jaggies are therefor a little more pronounced. The 360 version's shadows in this cut scene are a little fuzzier around the edges. Which approach is better is debatable. In any case, the character shadows during actual gameplay seem to be essentially identical.

-After you get your gun and the med bay doors blow open the developers added a few chunks of burning debris (two on the ceiling and one on the floor) to the PS3 version that are not present on the 360 version. (Not that significant but just an interesting little note).

-The general frame rate was consistently smoother in the 360 version. When panning the camera the PS3 version suffered from hitching and stuttering. I randomly stopped in the same place on both versions and panned the camera and the PS3 version would not move smoothly through the full 360 degrees of motion. It would always stutter and hitch. The 360 version was very smooth in comparison.

-Now, aside from the hitching I could easily tell that the PS3 version would sometimes speed up to above 30fps. The problem is, the frame rate actually goes up and down very quickly and drastically, in the span of a few milliseconds or seconds, which gives a stuttering effect to the game. The second half of the PS3 demo did seem to get a little better in this respect, but it still felt significantly more choppy than the 360 build.

-Some light sources showed a bit more bloom on the PS3 (for example, the lights above the spot where you first use the rocket launcher on the drones that burst through the doors down below you). This is an artistic difference and neither version looked better or worse in this regard. A subtle difference in any case.

-In some places the 360 version showed slightly better texture detail on faces during dialog sections. You can see this in many of the screenshots. It's not a night and day difference, but it's there.

-Miranda's face in most scenes looked much better in the 360 version than the PS3 version. The shadows were overly aggressive on Miranda's face in the PS3 version. The shadows were more balanced and natural looking in the 360 version.

[CWMR]

-The hexagonal pattern on Miranda's outfit looked a little flatter in the PS3 version.

-One interesting thing I noticed was that there was a difference in the sound of voices in the scene where you first run into Miranda (after she shoots the guy that betrayed you). The 360 version had room acoustics or reverberation that made the voices sound like they were in a room-like environment. The PS3 version sounded totally flat in this spot. Nevertheless, I kept paying attention and other areas in the PS3 version did show room acoustics affecting the voices. I don't know if this was a bug or if it will always be like that in that spot, but it was worth mentioning.

Due to the better shadows, somewhat better texture detail on faces, the more stable frame rate, and the lack of screen tearing I felt the 360 version had a clear upper hand. Not that the PS3 version is a horrible port or a bad looking game. Not at all.

I think Bioware did a pretty good job all things said. It will be great for those who only own a PS3 who would like to play this masterpiece. That said, I still feel that if you have both consoles and haven't played the game yet the 360 version is the way to go.

[Masterchef2007]

Its strange but i had problems during cut scenes. The framerate was a bit skippy plus there was quite a bit of screentearing. But when it came to gameplay i had no problems what so ever. Any one else have the same issue as me? Also i downloaded the Uncharted 3 trailer and its a bit skippy? Just wondering if it might be my PS3 thats causing the problems.

[FinalSpartan]

I mean really does it really matter which one is slightly better then the other if you wont even relise these tiny differences in-game?

Both consoles now got a great game, Now the PS3 users can enjoy this game too. Making these dumb comparisons just for hits.

They both look fine to me. As long as its not a shoddy and poor port.

[ziggurcat]

of course it matters.

and sorry, but it's a shoddy port.

[Aggesan]

@ziggurcat - It's hardly a shoddy port. Bayonetta was a shoddy port, FF XIII was a shoddy port, this game seems to be perfectly fine by me. The differences are nitpicking and nothing that will hurt the overall experience of the game.

[ziggurcat]

@Aggesan when the PS3 is perfectly capable of graphically surpassing or equalling the X360 and it doesn't, even while using an improved graphics engine, that's a shoddy port. it isn't nitpicking, it's simply not accepting an inferior product.

i've played the PS3 demo. what the comparisons don't show is the constant screen tearing or the stuttering/FPS drops during cutscenes. so it's not just about the graphics, which are pretty important IMO (and factor into the "overall experience of the game").

and i assume you are referring to the X360's port of FF XIII...

[chidori666]

this video:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6...

[saladthieves]

I too don't see much difference between both versions in this video. However I am anxious to pick up the PS3 version, even though I've already played the 360 version. Couple of reasons is that everything is on one disc including the DLC.

[ASTAROTH]

Whats up with the disagrees??

Ohh maybe you believe all the media said instead of trying for yourself. Or maybe you dont want to enjoy the games and want to keep findimg for the version with more pixels or the darker and "sharper" version. im tired of blind fanboys and this site has them a plenty. Anyway enjoy gaming and Merry X MAS to the gamers in this site!!!

[MGRogue2017]

Toke a while, Yes.. but PS3 only owners get to play the game now.

That is why Bioware is releasing the game on PS3.. not so it can be superior over the 360 version.. but so teh PS3 gamers out there can play it. Simple.

/obvious

[ThatCanadianGuy]

I like the clarity that the PS3 version offers.Played it on 360 and there was always this odd blurring effect, as if there was some sort of smoggy haze throughout the game.PS3 version is so crisp and clear.And the framerate doesn't chug during the shootouts.Lovin'it

Check out the IGN video "Meeting Jacob" Crazy how much more clear the PS3 one is.

[Clarence]

Thats how I feel. This game is my favorite game on the 360. I can't wait to play the PS3 version.

[SaberEdge]

Not on my tv it isn't. They both look extremely close, but if anything the 360 version looks ever so slightly sharper. And I mean it is very, very subtle. But since you were saying the opposite, I am just explaining exactly what I saw.

[maniac76]

if they wanted the could make it less jaggie and more smoother,not like its an open world game,but then maybe its in there contract to not use the ps3 properly,guess only exclusives on ps3 use the ps3s power properly haha

[cereal_killa]

How many more of these do we need to get approved? they both look the same cry baby fanboys just don't want to admit it.

[josephayal]

PS3 is the most powerful console ever made in gaming history, why not?

[Punch-o]

I'm really excited to play this on PS3.Amazon release date having me a bit worried though Jan 31?Could have gotten it on 360 but waited on the PS3 version love the DS3.

[KotC]

Yes and no with a little more no than yes.

Good game though, PS3 owners will love it.

[HelghastDrake]

So basically 360 owners get slightly better textures in multiplatform games while PS3 has tons more and better exclusives than the 360.. sounds like a good deal to me.

[starchild]

I've never understood this reasoning. What does having a couple better looking exclusives get you? Are you just going to play those games over and over again? 3 or 4 games might look better, but what is that worth when most exclusives on the PS3 look no better than exclusives on the 360? Not to mention that the vast majority of multiplatform games look or run better on the 360.

Besides, Gears of War 3 looks as good or better than anything on the PS3.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[AKS]

What if you have a decent PC for multiplatform games? Suddenly those exclusives PS3 seem to be much more important. My PC replaced my 360 for most multiplatform games; I hardly play my 360 except for a few exclusives and an occasional console-only game like Bayonetta in which the 360 version is significantly better. I have plenty of reasons to play my PS3, such as GT5 and God of War III. PC and PS3 compliment each other quite well.

Regarding the PS3 ME2 demo, I could tell the frame rate was higher (evidently it's not locked), but I noticed a bit of tearing. I already have the PC version.

[strickers]

I've seen Gears 3 with my own eyes and it does not look better than Uncharted3(gameplay vid)or KZ3(my own eyes).Some of you really don't get how things work in games.Next you'll claim Gears has good AI and not bullet sponges.
PS3 exclusives look better and that's a fact.Even most devs admit that.

[Achemki]

@starchild
So he gets more exclusives he likes and you get more pixels and less screen tearing once in a while. To each his own. One could get by a whole year (2011) for example without even touching a multiplat', so #%& the multiplat' defense. I've got TWO multiplats on my to-buy list for 2011...Batman and Dead Space 2...and like 10-12 PS3 exclusives...all AAA. I could list them...but then I'd be Captain Obvious.

[CrzyFooL]

I swear ive seen this article 4 times this week. Am I having Deja Vu?

[UltimateIdiot911]

Does this even matter at all? Why do we have the millionth article on this comparison. I mean, those who has a 360, and wants the game, already own the game. It's been a year. The PS3 owners aren't going to suddenly go out and get a 360 for ME2 because the game may/may not look slightly better on it.

/rant

[ElementX]

Another PS3/360 ME2 article????

[NateCole]

I honestly can't tell the difference

[SaberEdge]

I don't know why anybody expects to see a difference on such crummy and small videos. If you see it on large high def TV you will notice some differences. Not so much in the art or textures, but mostly in the way it runs.

[Dellis]

1.Everybody doesn't have the same TV

2.Everybody doesn't have the same settings

3.Why are they making comparisons with a demo

[R_aVe_N]

I have seen no noticeable difference between the two to be honest. People are taking this way to seriously... This game is around a year old why would the 360 people care? What will really count is ME3 when it comes out. Then you can compare and decide what system to get it on. If you want the best version its on the PC anyways.

[LMS]

pc version Destroys both of these....the consoles are covered in jaggies

also...the PC version costs $8

yes.... EIGHT FREAKIN DOLLARS!!!

link;

http://www.gamersgate.com/D...

[ELite_Ghost]

a comp to run it better than ps3/360?

EIGHT HUNDRED FREAKING DOLLARS!!

no thanks :)

[divideby0]

I do game on my PC, but I just got to LMAO, when PC gamers tell us how much better the games look on a PC vs a console.. do they realize how stupid they come across....

when I can buy a PC for 300 bucks or = to a 360 or a PS3, THAN I will start comparing MY PC to the consoles..

I am not knocking PC gaming, because FPS, MMO rock on a PC...

seriously.. they are trying to compare an animal with a mineral.. its that lame

[Silly gameAr]

Who. Cares.

[stonecold3]

i was thinking about getting this game im going to pass and wait for final fantasy vs 13 to arrive on ps3 exclusive . same with kindgom hearts 3 peace out?

[LMS]

WRONG!!!!!!!!!

put a $100 gpu in mommy's dual core and you will crap circles around the ps3

[Chug]

You PC fanboys are annoying.

[therapist]

a $90 gpu will crap on the 360 or ps3 nowdays;

http://www.newegg.com/Produ...

literally

at 1440x900 (way higher than the ps3 or 360 produce 95% of the time)

this card will poop on the consoles

[GamerPS360]

$90 card didn't poop when PS3 and 360 came out. I invested 600 on PS3 and I haven't put anything extra since then.

I build PC for my gaming needs. In last 4 yrs, I have spent over 1000 on upgrading after initial cost which was about 1300, so I can play latest games with good visuals and framerate.

So, Pricewise, you really don't wanna compare to console because console wins hands down but I still like PC gaming. I like mouse and keyboard control for FPS and I can't play RTS on console.

[Figboy]

I own ME2 on the 360, and I downloaded the PS3 demo.

from what I can tell between the RETAIL 360 version, and the DEMO PS3 version is that the PS3 version looked sharper and cleaner. the framerate seemed a lot more stable as well. the lighting also seemed better, and the grain effect looked scaled back and not as heavy. i like the grain effect, so that wasn't a negative for either version.

to be fair, i'm playing the 360 version on my 24" 1080p set via Component cables, and the PS3 on my 40" 720p set via HDMI. i'm not sure if the HDMI makes a difference, however.

game play wise, i prefer the L1 and R1 buttons for aiming and shooting, but other than that, both version seems pretty damn comparable. it's a win win. it actually got me in the mood to play my 360 version of ME2, since i've yet to beat it. lol.

it's a pretty awesome port, judging from the demo, which is no doubt older code (demos are usually worked on MONTHS in advance of release, then they get tested by QA, and approved by the platform holder before finally being released. more than likely, this demo build is 3 or 4 months old. i've worked in QA, on demo builds as well, and that's usually how it goes).

[Swiftfox]

I do certainly hope it's an older code for the Ps3 beta of Mass Effect 2.

I had several minor issues with the demo such as choppy cutscenes as well as blaintent game pause when pre-loading areas (that or checkpoints). Also had a few issues with clipping, but those were more rare than the previous 2.

I think I had a sound issue or 2 as well. I played a female shepard and could have sworn I heard male shepard sound clips spring during combat. *shrug* These were infrequent and minor in all cases.

The over all graphic quality is good and nothing to complain about, from what I've seen.

[Deathstroke]

PC version > PS3 version > 360 version

[GamerPS360]

I played ME2 on PC almost a year ago. It is good game but I like ME1 better story wise.

[clrlite]

LoL @ G4TV legitimizing their flamebait article by throwing "Does Mass Effect 3 Engine Improve the PS3?" in there.

They will all be great, but I'm picking it up for PS3.

[Masterchef2007]

I love Mirandas boobs. Everytime i see them i wished i had a 3d TV with tactile feedback. Now thats reaching out to touch someone

Ok boobs aside. The only difference i notice (and they are very slight) are the lighting and shadows. Which in my opinion look better on the PS3. Which is normal since they had a year to work on the PS3 version of the game. And i know some people mention theres a difference in texture detail but i think that they are the same. Its the lighting that may make it seem that theres less detail when theres not. But anyways if you didnt see the 2 side by side you would not be able to tell the difference. Well maybe with Jacob but thats it. The game looks nice but its running on an old engine and it shows in some parts especially with the character models. I have seen better looking games on both the 360 and PS3. But this game isnt about visuals its about action and conversations.

[Kee]

I played the demo and, having never played the game before, I was wondering what all the hype was about.
Yeah, what I played of it was quite good, but I think I'll wait til it's a little cheaper, simply because 2011 might be my most expensive gaming year ever!
I mean there's Dragon age 2, inFamous 2, Uncharted 3, Pokemon Black/White, Elder scrolls V- Skyrim, Resistance 3, Duke Nukem (possibly) and now Mass Effect 2 on my wish list. As well as any downloadable titles that catch my eye. Damn it!!!!!

[NYC_Gamer]

what does this new engine improve? Bioware,made it seem like the PS3 version would blow Mass Effect 2 on 360 away.i guess its all part of their marketing.

[PirateThom]

The only downside I noticed to the PS3 version was in the "Previously on Mass Effect" section, where it had a lot of screen tearing and frame rate drops. Once the game started, I didn't notice it... no idea what's up with that.