In terms of multiplatform output, PlayStation 3 has had a bit of a bumpy ride. During the console’s infancy, it became widely known that PS3’s notoriously tricky architecture proved something of a headache for game developers, resulting in some pretty shoddy third-party ports. They weren’t horrendous, but let’s face it; if you took a third-party game from a few years ago, chances are it’d look and play better on Xbox 360. However, while it’s been a bit of rocky road, things have changed – and for the better.
These days, Sony’s black behemoth is packing some serious contenders in the third-party space. Years of arduous tinkering with the hardware has resulted in some impressive titles, and more importantly, ones that are actually superior – no matter how subtle – to their Xbox 360 counterpart. It’s a highly contentious topic we know, but the folks at PSU.com decided to brave the subject and list five titles on PS3 we feel have the edge over their 360 counterparts.
Fancy letting off some steam or have a few other games in mind that you feel run better on PS3 than 360? Then the comments section at the bottom of this article is your new best friend. Get stuck in.
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BIOSHOCK
An early gem this, BioShock finally turned up on PS3 in 2008, and looked rather lush to say the least. The Xbox 360 version is a stonkingly good-looking game, but somehow port handlers 2K Marin and Digital Extreme managed to spruce up the PS3 version to make it look even better. No, we’re not talking enhanced visuals in the traditional sense – 2K admitted the games are identical in this respect – but thanks to the addition of widescreen support and higher-resolution cutscenes, BioShock does sparkle that little bit much more on PS3. In addition, gamers have the added incentive of picking up the ‘definitive’ copy of the game. BioShock PS3 not only includes the original in all its glory, but furthermore, packs exclusive extra content in the shape of the Survival difficulty, Challenge Rooms and Trophy/PlayStation Home support. Still haven’t explored Rapture yet? Then make sure you plump for the PS3 version.
MORTAL KOMBAT
One word: Kratos. Yep, this might be a tenuous example of why the PS3 version is better, but you can’t deny the addition of an exclusive character isn’t tempting. God of War’s perpetually-pissed off anti-hero makes his cross-game debut in the PS3 version of Mortal Kombat, giving it a distinct advantage over the 360 release, which sadly lacks its own brawler. Of course, this is a subjective thing; you may love Kratos and would plump for the PS3 release without even thinking about it, or you may not give a toss about the bald brute at all. Either way, Mortal Kombat arrives on Sony’s flagship home console (and PS Vita, for that matter) with an exclusive fighter, and that puts this version firmly in the ‘plus’ column as far as we’re concerned. And the best part is? Kratos is actually a solid combatant, and his moves have translated admirably well to the MK plane. Plus, those finishers are just BRUTAL…
BRINK
Brink was a bit like marmite – you either loved it, or hated it. Regardless, the PS3 version is technically slightly more robust than the 360 release, especially when it comes to frame rates. Yep, Brink runs locked at 30 fps on Sony’s latest telly box, but on Microsoft’s machine the game is prone to dipping to 25 fps now and then. Furthermore, the PS3 version was devoid of visual hiccups such as screen tearing, and above all, boasted significantly better loading times than the 360 version; nearly twice as fast, according to reports. No, Brink is hardly the best-looking game on current home consoles, but performance wise it comes out chugging along much better on Sony’s platform.
PORTAL 2
Well, it was hardly going to be The Orange Box was it? Valve’s new-found love for Sony’s telly box – marked by Gabe Newell’s appearance at E3 2010 – was shocking to say the least, but the results speak for themselves. Portal 2 is a cracking game regardless of the platform, but we have to concede that the PS3 version pips its Xbox 360 counterpart to the post. Why? Well, it all comes down to implementation of steamworks. With this cross-play feature, PS3 gamers can team up with PC players to tackle the cerebrally-stimulating highlights of the Aperture Science Enrichment Center. Aside from that, both versions are identical, but the fact the PS3 release boasts an expanded multiplayer audience is a nice bonus.
L.A. NOIRE
It’s a well-known fact that Team Bondi’s acclaimed crime caper was originally conceived as a PS3-exclusive. As such, the game was made from the ground-up on Sony’s black box, and became the lead platform once the title made the transition to Xbox 360. As such, the 1940s thriller does boast a few minor advantages over its 360 counterpart when heavily scrutinized. For starters, there are some noticeable cosmetic differences, with the PS3 version boasting better draw distance and no screen tearing to speak of. The most obvious advantage, however, is the fact the game comes packed on a single Blu-ray disc. This inherently removes the trouble of having to swap discs, which 360 owners are lumbered with as L.A. Noire comes on three DVDs. Back at release, L.A. Noire also supported exclusive content for the PS3 release, though this has since been assimilated into the Game of the Year Edition.