Kotaku
It was inevitable. With the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 competing for the "next-gen" first place spot, both armed with Grand Theft Auto IV shipping day and date, nitpicking comparisons between each version was expected from vocal fans. Rockstar Games has commented multiple times that both versions are identical, minus a few platform specific features and Xbox 360 exclusives.
We've played both versions of GTA IV—quite a bit, actually. We've noticed a handful of differences, some of which you know, some which you may not, many of them hair-splitting. We break it down, from frame rate to controls, after the break.
Installation
The PlayStation 3 version has a mandatory 3.4 GB hard drive installation that will be the longest 7 minutes and 20 seconds of your life if you're chomping at the bit to play. It's initially an annoyance, but PS3 owners will welcome it. There is no option to install the game to an Xbox 360 hard drive.
Frame Rate
The Grand Theft Auto series has never been synonymous with a rock solid frame rate, something it generally seems to get a pass for. While GTA IV is smoother in general than it's predecessors, it can expectedly suffer during chaos. The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate, peaking higher in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip.
Pop-In & Loading
With a huge, seamless streaming world, data must be constantly read from the disc. The PS3 version, with its required HDD install, loads missions a couple seconds faster and decreases pop-in. The Xbox 360 version can suffer from some very noticeable texture loading, as things like trees, vehicles and building signs will regularly pop-in as one tools about town. It can be distracting, especially during high speed chases, and the PS3 version isn't entirely immune from it, but it's not a game killing problem.
Graphics
The two versions are so close to identical, visually, that putting together a comparison was a challenge. Initially, it appeared that the PS3 suffered from more noticeable aliasing than its 360 counterpart, but after eyeballing the final retail copy, they appear to be on par. I noticed that the paint filter applied to cover some of the game's imperfections appeared a tiny bit muddier on the PS3 version, with night time scenes seeing more streakiness. Some of these minor complaints may be the result of our particular television settings and require the finest of fine tooth combs to assess.
Downloadable Content
The Xbox 360 version is announced to have two exclusive downloadable content packs for purchase. Details on what will be contained in those two exclusive batches of DLC are sparse, so we can't judge what they'll bring to the table, nor do we know if the PlayStation 3 version will eventually get its own DLC from Rockstar. If you're looking for more GTA IV, and you may very well be after you've completed the core game, you're going to want the 360 version.
Achievements
The Xbox 360 version has the requisite list of Achievements exclusive to the platform, creative and challenging goals that sometimes go beyond the regular gaming experience. However, as with other GTA games, stat-tracking for kills, stunt jumps, and the dozens of extras will keep completionists on the PS3 side happy.
Motion Controls
The PS3 version has optional SIXAXIS motion controls for piloting helicopters, steering boats and doing motorcycle tricks. You'll probably leave it off, just like I did.
Good Vibrations
GTA IV supports vibration in the Xbox 360 controller and the DualShock 3, so PS3 owners won't be left in the force feedback lurch.
Final Thoughts
The good news for Grand Theft Auto fans is that whatever platform you have chosen as your own, GTA IV excels on both. They are almost evenly matched, feature for feature. Gamers will have to decide which is more important to them, a slightly more technically sound experience on the PlayStation 3 or downloadable content and Xbox Live integration on the Xbox 360.
If this were a personal decision, I'd have chosen the PlayStation 3 edition, mostly based on my preference for the DualShock controller and the performance edge. However, one thing that we have yet to experience is how well the PlayStation Network will handle the online portions of GTA IV, an extremely important consideration. I place less of an emphasis on features like Achievements and Gamerscore, but appreciate how well crafted and important these features are to others.
In the end, each version stands on its own, with the only downside to the differences being that those invested in their particularly backed console will expend so much effort focusing on something far less important than the game itself.
Comments
Seem to be more or less even, then. Good, good. /menacing.
Oh my...now I'm even more confused.
But thanks guys...this is the best comparison I've seen so far.
Good news for both formats
*flame suit on*
"The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip."
Contrary to what has been said before? Interesting.
I'm going 360, DLC
I grabbed the 360 version today. Gonna play it after i finish some work
Not excited about that pop-in but I'm sure I'll live with it.
I can deal with pop in, frame rate is most important. 360 it is.
So.. they are basically identical!! cool!
Phew, thanks for not fueling the fanboy fire. Guess this is the same conclusion I've been hearing lately: get the Xbox version if you want DLC, but get the PS3 version if pop-in textures are an issue.
Luckily, the decision is easy for me, as I don't have a PS3.
More gameplay or smoother gameplay...
@NightMystic: ...how? it hasent been released yet!?!?
"...and the PS3 version is entirely immune from it, but it's not a game killing problem."
Is this right, or should that read that it "isn't entirely immune".
If the orginal sentence is correct, I'd say that's a significant difference.
Eh, I'll still stick with the PS3 version. Good comparison.
Man... I thought I was sold on the PS3 version, but now I am not sure.
So I guess either game is an awesome pick up. I just hope I can get enough money to buy it come Monday night :)
I wonder when GameTrailers is going to post their comparison video?
Hm, some of that contradcits what was said in other previews/reviews. Namely about the Aliasing and the framerate.
None the less, it seems both consoles have their strengths, and it's good to see that they're essentially identical.
I choose content.
360 version for me, although the pop-in sounds a bit more serious than I expected.
@mescalineeyes:
Yes, and this "a slightly more technically sound experience on the PlayStation 3" is exactly what has been said before
Eh, still getting both copies.
Since the 360 is RLed I might have to get the PS3 version first. :x
It's like every gaming outlet comes to different conclusions concerning aliasing and frames per second... ign said the ps3 had the smoother frame rate and the better aliasing, kotaku says it's the other way around.
weird.
Basically it comes down to faster load times vs achievements & exclusive DLC
I was already leaning toward the 360 but this just confirmed it. With Live integration (most of my freinds only have a 360), achievments, and DLC, I can't say no. I am disapointed though that not much has been said about the coop gameplay
@Witzbold: Yay, I get to play with Witzy!
What I want to know is how bad the frame rates get when theres tons of stuff going on. Is it still playable? I've only played GTA games on pc's, which was always smooth, so I have no idea how they run on consoles.
@mescalineeyes:
You know, thinking about it, that could be why people say it's worse. The difference from (JUST AN EXAMPLE) 60 to 30 fps would be more jarring than 40 to 30, which might make people think that one version has worse problems than the other when they are in fact par.
@Bigfoot:
They have a review up, but it is only for the 360 version.
@Atrahasis: Sorry about that, the PS3 is NOT entirely immune from pop-in. I've corrected.
I going for the PS3 because I don't really care for DLC. Plus I don't see people playing it in the fall. Too many other good games.
@NightMystic:
Grabbed it.... from behind a counter, or off the internet.
BUY TEH GAME TUESDAY N00B!
@Atrahasis: entirely immune.
Pop-in gives me a rash. PS3 here we come!
I'm still stuck in the maybe getting both copies group.
360 for me. Pop in doesnt matter as its not exactly rare for a GTA game anyway
Sounds nice, I'll go with the PS3 version!
Aside from DLC and Achievements, the core game appears to have a sort of balance among the 360 and PS3 versions, I guess we'll see what happens.
O it's going to get hot. Hmm, if the 360 version can do better frame rate at times but the PS3 version has been texture loading at times, there is more or less no difference.
But then again they said textures can look slightly better at times on the 360. Whatever version you get can we just enjoy it.
I will just say I don't see the PS3 getting much as far as DLC goes. Microsoft paid $50M for the 360 DLC I would think that also includes something that says the PS3 will not get anything anywhere near as good.
Is NOT, lol, gah!
Something tells me hammers will be swinging in no time, so I'll just leave my comment and head for shelter. :p
I don't mind pop-in, as long as it's not "speeding down an empty street... A WILD TREE APPEARS... dead."
35 hours, 35 hours, 35 motherfucking hours....
@Witzbold: Awww. Was wondering why you're not on Live these days. :(
@Brian Crecente:
Does the pop-in happen constantly on the 360? Does it only happen when things are very hectic?
I have a launch day 360 so I'm wondering if it will be increased on an older console.
Yeah, both seem to have ups and downs. Informative. I had actually expected the PS3 to have the more solid framerate after everybody seemingly agreed that the PS3 was the more powerful console (is it true or not after all, I don't know for sure).
What interests me the most is the colour palette. Does the PS3 version have more washed out and less vibrant colours?
Whoa whoa! What's going on at the Tower? First the Wilson/Crecente double post. Now McWhertor says something and Crecente contradicts him?
@Brian Crecente: So Brian, where's YOUR official Kotaku Review? Is that still coming?
Well, thankfully all the reviews seem to be saying this is yet another case of developers taking time to make the PS3 version stand on its own, so I won't feel any remorse for getting it.
PS3 Orange Box, this ain't. See you all on Monday night.
Never thought I'd see the day where kotaku put the ps3 on equal ground with the 360.