Mass Effect 3 is out tomorrow. Finally! (though I’ve told you can pick it up right now at select Pick ‘n Pay stores.). If you’re a multi-console owner still wondering which version to get, Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry has done a comparison between the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions.
No prizes for guessing which one has the worse frame rate.
According to Eurogamer, both versions have a target frame-rate of 30 fps, but the PlayStation 3 version regularly dips to just 20, more than 30 percent lower than it should be.
The PS3 version is once again capped at 30FPS with v-sync engaged, but often drops to 20FPS in outdoors environments, and sometimes lower during cut-scenes,” says Eurogamer. “The game seems better optimised for 360, holding out closer to the target frame-rate with some almost unnoticeable tearing.”
That’s not to say that the Xbox 360 version is faultless either – “The 360 version is also liable to dip during like-for-like circumstances, although never quite as much.” Unfortunately the biggest problem with the PS3 version’s inconsitency is that it affects gameplay. The frame-drops can result in lowered controller response during the game’s larger shoot-outs.
If you have both consoles, it’s probably best to pick it up for the 360 then, especially if you happen to own a Kinect unit – because then you get to shout at your TV. Of course, Pc gamers are shrugging it off with a casual “whatever,” as they get to play the game at a buttery-smooth 60 FPS (provided they have the hardware). Once they’re done fighting with Origin, of course.
Last Updated: March 8, 2012