Grand Theft Auto IV – Xbox 360 vs. PS3

As a lot of you know, Grand Theft Auto IV is the latest released video game in the Grand Theft Auto series. This isn’t a review of the game itself, but more of a review of how the game runs on each of the two consoles, The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. (This does not review the PC version, as it is not out at the time of writing). This is to compare each of the versions game play, graphics, and more.

Note: I am/have been both a PS3 and Xbox 360, as well as a Wii owner, so I am being as truthful as I can.

Graphics

Both versions graphics are very good, compared to the other games in the series, however there are some differences. First off, while playing the PS3 version of the game, the first thing I noticed was that the PS3 version was both brighter and lighter, compared to the Xbox 360 version. Now, I thought it was Ok, since I recall having to change the display settings occasionally for the Xbox 360 version, since it was either too bright or too dark, however I felt this made the PS3 version of the game look more colorful and cartoonish, compared to the Xbox 360 version.

I think the Xbox 360 version of the game had a sharper image than the PS3 version, and it looked slightly more realistic, and less blurry.

Winner: Xbox 360

Game Play / Controls

Game play seems virtually the same on the two systems.

The PS3 version seems to render vehicles and other objects better, possible due to the fact that is comes with a required hard drive installation for the game.

The default controls are basically the same for both consoles. I did, however, feel that the Xbox 360 controls were more comfortable, and the position of the analog sticks and triggers were in the perfect place for the game itself.

However, the PS3 version has the Sixaxis controller, with motion sensing type capabilities, which allows you to really get into the game. Sixaxis work with controlling things such as motorcycles, helicopters, as well as doing activities, such as bowling, or even reloading a gun. It can take a while to get used to, but it is one of the PS3 games to support the rumble feature.

Winner:Tie
The Xbox 360 version has comfortable contols, however the PS3 version has Sixaxis, which allows for interactive game play.

Multiplayer

I found that there we some major differences between the GTA multiplayer of the two versions.

Connecting to the server: First of all, I noticed that I was able to connect to the servers without problems more on the Xbox 360 version, while on the PS3, I commonly faced “Disconnected from multiplayer” messages while starting games. Although I received these on the Xbox 360 version as well, they were very rare.

Also, on the PS3, I am commonly put into a multiplayer that is already in session. For example, when joining a race, I am sometimes either thrown into a game that had just started, putting me in last place without selecting my car, or thrown into the game lobby, where I must spectate an on-going game, until they are finished playing. On the Xbox 360 version, I was always put into a new multiplayer lobby, where I had time to select a car, and get ready to play.

Communication: I found a major difference between the two. The first thing I noticed while starting the PS3 version of GTA IV multiplayer was that NO ONE TALKS. In fact, barely anyone had a microphone. On every single multiplayer GTA IV game I have played on the PS3, I have never heard anyone say a single word.

This is the very opposite to the Xbox 360 version. On this version, there is usually at least 3 or 4 people, if not, everyone talking, arguing, etc. I found this version to be more interactive with the players, as people actually want to communicate, and you can share your thought on how you felt being blown up a few minutes ago.

Winner:Xbox 360

Achievements

Although the multiplayer stats for both versions are available, the Xbox 360 version of the game offers achievements. These achievements can range from blowing up 10 cars in 10 seconds, to lasting 5 minutes on a 6-star wanted level. Basically, you are getting rewarded for what achievements you do in the game. (They are shown on your gamer profile so you can show off).

Although PlayStation Network recently released “Trophies”, they are only compatible with a very limited amount of games. It is up to the game developer to implement trophies into its game. It is currently unknown (with most people saying unlikely) that GTA IV will have trophy support in the future.

Winner:Xbox 360

Downloadable Content

Initially, Microsoft announced that only it, not Sony, would release downloadable content for Grand Theft Auto IV. However, since then, Sony has also announced that it would receive some downloadable content as well.

There is currently no word on the status with Sony, however it has been announced that downloadable content for the Xbox 360 version has been delayed.

Winner:Unknown/Tie (for right now)
It is hard to say which version will excel most in downloadable content, as neither consoles have released any for it.

Conclusion

Both console versions of Grand Theft Auto IV have enhanced graphics, and mostly the same features.

Each version has its own pros and cons, however my personal preference is the Xbox 360 version, due to its extra features, and sharp graphics. However, the PS3 version is very close, and I recommend both versions.

Links

GameSpot Picture Graphic Comparison of Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3