the differences according to ign. ps3 and 360 versions of gta4

[starcraft]

shams said:

IMO, this is a huge slap in the face of Sony - here is why:

Finally, a game that has technically pushed both machines to the limit. No limits on dev money either - they spent what was needed getting the engine for both games cranked up to maximum.

The PS3 is supposed to be technically leap-years ahead of the 360. Well - according to GTA4, it isn't.

In fact, the machines are so close - that there is basically no difference.

(the "pop-in" difference is almost certain to be because the PS3 GTA runs from a hard disk, whereas the 360 version runs from disc - hence a big difference in seek times, which heavily effects any sort of streaming. I have to wonder how the PS3 version would run without a hard disk install...).

...

If there was any doubt for me, I'm definitely getting a 360 (rather than a PS3) now - GTA4 is one game that could have swayed me the other way. And its not on account for any extra content - its on account of the game library. The 360 has a vastly superior library, and I expect this to continue until the generation is over.

(for me anyway, Banjo Kazooie >>> MGS + GT easily)

I do think that both consoles could be better optomized with exclusive development, however I agree that GTAIV is the best multiplatform test we are ever likely to get.  It is looking more and more like those that cling to the whole "PS3 is loads more powerful" mantra are going to eat crow.  But rather than thinking about what would happen to the PS3 without the HDD install, imagine what would happen if Microsoft ever allowed HDD mandating.

Oh, and I totally agree on Banjo