Digital Foundry | Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3: Round 31

Welcome to the 31st Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3 showdown, where the latest crop of multi-platform HD releases are meticulously dissected and subjected to the kind of technical abuse that only Digital Foundry can mete out.

[pangitkqb]

I enjoy these pieces. There is probably no other article type where I learn more about the science behind making games without getting too deep or technical. Just a nice insight into what makes a quality game with solid programming.

As for those that complaine about these every time...they aren't going anywhere, so quit wasting your breath. You don't have to agree with them, but you don't need to subject others to your negativity either.

[Tilian]

You support the meaninglessness of the console war, then? Because this is what these comparisons are really about.

This, I would argue, is the true source of negativity, and not those of us who are critical of it.

I enjoy the science of game development, but not when it comes across as a cage match.

[BushLitter]

I don't think is meant to ignite the flame war

It's meant as a comparison for those who have both consoles. Who wouldn't want to know which version is better if he has the choice of two?

I appreciate these comparisons, especially given the non-biased way in which it is delivered.

[STICKzophrenic]

Digital Foundry seem to have good intentions with their comparisons. It's the immature fanboys who use these as ammo in their petty console war.

[humbleopinion]

Tilian, do you actually think that technical information is what stirs the console wars!?
We had these stupid arguments about what's better since the dawn of consoles.
At least with deep technical information we can finally discuss facts instead of all the usual bullshit we heard before.

The Digital Foundry coverage is always professional, interesting to read and in some cases a real eye opener. The fact that some dumb fanboys (who in most cases don't even understand the technical terms) use information as console-war fodder does not mean that everyone else should lose.

[Tilian]

Humbleopinion:

My argument is that, while these sorts of comparisons serve to clarify technical specs etc., they are not so clearly unbiased fact-giving exercises.

That is, DF comparisons (and especially others like LoT) almost always suggest a "winner" based on an INTERPRETATION of the data. Eurogamer and NeoGaf forums have been discussing this for a few years--that the interpretation of the data is not always consistent.

So, again, my criticism is that it's not so clear-cut. Though they serve technical interests (I too enjoy these details), they do, I argue, directly participate in the console war (after all, they are consciously choosing 360/PS3 games every single time and placing them side-by-side in comparison). It's not simply a matter of fanboys using them as fodder.

[humbleopinion]

Tilian, I agree that other comparisons such as LOT are usually mixing opinion and fact. What's even worse is that in many cases their "facts" are misleading or even plain wrong.

But I see DF on a whole different level. When they do suggest a "winner", they always do this cautiously and give counter claims where relevant.
They do these comparisons so people will be able to have more information when making a purchase and therefore can make a more intelligent purchase. Claiming that it's wrong because it leads for fanboy wars is like claiming that side by side comparison of cameras or mobile phones is wrong because it has the same implications.

[pangitkqb]

@ Tilian

I think you are lumping in Fanboy flame-fests with the positive results of healthy techonological and economical competittion. The admirable accomplishments of various game makers, programmers, and console makers inspire and challenge their competitors to raise the bar.

THIS IS A GOOD THING. The only bad truly comes on the consumer end.

Additionally, the idea that the INTERPRETATION of comparative data is somehow inherently bad is also close-minded if not downright silly. At the risk of being overly-philosophical, if I hold a flower in my hand I experience via the interpretation of data. I feel it, smell it, see it's colors with my eyes. I then interpret and form an opinion. Same with cars, dogs, girlfriends, and apple pie, because those are the only ways I can experience them. Ever heard of a taste test?

The purpose of these comparisons is to provide data that many clearly crave. Each individual interprets said data as they will and remains entirely free to make whatever purchase decision(s) they wish. Thus, I can hapily ignore the flames and simply enjoy the insights...rather than complain which was my first point.

You are, of course, free to "interpret" things differently and I fully support that right. Game on.

[yewles1]

Wait, did they really just say that the 3D in MK is better than the 2D in both versions? WHAT???

[MasterCornholio]

Yeah its because of their AA solution which blurs the image making it look sub HD