If you’re like me, you’re probably still wondering why cross-generational games are still a thing. Metals Gear Solid V barely manages to pull it off on older hardware, and later this year Rise of the Tomb Raider is attempting the same thing on Xbox 360. The timed-exclusive isn’t leaving lagging old generation fans out in the cold, but at what cost?
Normally it’s the little details that get turfed to make up for the lack of horsepower, and it’s no different with Rise of the Tomb Raider. Comparing the same shots on both Xbox One and Xbox 360 below, it’s plain as day that the latter version lacks some of the polish present in the current-gen one. Details in buildings, additional visual elements, draw distance and even the mud on Lara’s shoulder all take a hit on the Xbox 360, and that’s without looking too hard at anything else.
You can see for yourself below, with the Xbox One shots appearing on top.
This of course doesn’t paint a full picture either. Screenshots are one thing, but performance is the real worry when it comes to bringing next-generation games to older hardware. As was the case with Metal Gear Solid V, the game looks good but runs rather poorly. As we edge further and further away from the necessity to have new releases launch on old consoles, this is going to be more frequent – to the point where maybe cancelling a game is a better option, as Warner Bros. did with Mortal Kombat X.
Still, we’re just two months away from the launch of Rise of the Tomb Raider and haven’t actually seen the game running yet on the Xbox 360 for ourselves. So if you’re holding out hope that it’s going to be a decent experience on par with the first reboot, all we can offer you is some hope.
Last Updated: September 7, 2015
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 7, 2015 at 13:20
What’s Lara doing at Kaer Morhen?
Dutch Matrix
September 7, 2015 at 13:22
Who gives a hootnanny about Lara and her cheating ways? Bah! I hope a Hellknight eats that old cow!
Admiral Chief Returns
September 7, 2015 at 13:35
Was thinking the same thing!
Admiral Chief Returns
September 7, 2015 at 13:36
I can hear the music!
WitWolfy
September 7, 2015 at 13:29
How is the Xbox One version supposed to look just as good as Uncharted 4? Dont get me wrong the 360 version looks fantastic, but I cant help thinking how much better it could’ve looked if it wasnt cross gen.
SojournZA
September 7, 2015 at 13:36
oO
WitWolfy
September 7, 2015 at 13:48
LOL! I forgot…. Pre-rendered E3 “Gameplay” strikes again!
This image made me ROFL so hard.
VampyreSquirrel
September 7, 2015 at 13:53
That bottom line should read “Sony Greatness… Oh…Wait…”
oVg SPACE MONKEY
September 7, 2015 at 13:58
After playing MGSV I think Naughty Dog made a mistake by dropping the frame rate for graphics. Just look how sweet MGSV is at 60fps and its not even a linear game.
HairyEwok
September 7, 2015 at 15:16
This is why Game of the Year is a understatement for MGSV
Loftus
September 7, 2015 at 14:12
http://www.lazygamer.net/playstation/playstation-4-2/uncharted-4-is-pushing-the-playstation-4-to-new-heights/
Two months ago…
oVg SPACE MONKEY
September 7, 2015 at 13:53
It looks better than the PC version 😛
RinceThis
September 7, 2015 at 14:57
Or the PS4 😛
oVg SPACE MONKEY
September 7, 2015 at 15:49
too soon
Brady miaau
September 7, 2015 at 14:07
So a console much older than the current gen is used to compare with? I must say, Xbox 360 version looks very playable, still today.
HairyEwok
September 7, 2015 at 15:15
The difference is graphics is so different, her clothing even change in the 3rd group image capture.