In case you’re not an RPG Site Regular, I’d like to point you to our other coverage before you read any further. If you want to know about how Battles play out, hit up our Battle Impressions. For info on character growth, you’ll want our Character Progression piece.
Finally, if you want to know exactly how good the game is, check out our full, massive Import Review. It’s almost 3000 words! With that out of the way we can finally ask the million dollar question – how is the Xbox 360 version?
Final Fantasy XIII is undoubtedly one of the best looking games so far this generation, benefitting from a pretty impressive custom-built engine and some wonderfully zany and out-of-this-world art direction that helps it to be striking at almost every moment in almost every area of the game.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game are identical in this respect. Everything magical about FF13’s world has been lovingly translated in the Xbox 360 version. Loading times are few, entry into battle is seamless, and everything looks sharp, clean and pretty. It’s a damn fine port, and in regular gameplay even the most devout fan might struggle to notice the difference between the two, were it not for the different button prompts.
In terms of both gameplay graphics and performance the two versions feel almost identical, and there are no significant flaws with either version. It’s clear that the same attention to detail and level of polish has been applied to the Xbox 360 version of the game, despite its shorter lead time.
Despite fears from many, in our time with the game we didn’t spot any muddy, low quality textures in the Xbox 360 version, and there weren’t any technical hitches even when battles got crazy with magical effects, explosions and gigantic enemies all in the mix.
There is a sticking point for the Xbox 360 version, which may prove crucial to some gamers: In game video.
FF13 comes packed with 40-some minutes of pre-rendered CGI sequences that help to further the story, and on the PS3 they run at 1080p and aren’t compressed as highly as on the Xbox 360 version. As well as being heavily compressed, the 360 CGI FMVs run at 720, a lower resolution.
In addition to the CGI sequences, one thing a lot of people don’t realize about FF13 is that many of the ‘in engine’ cutscenes aren’t rendered on the fly – they’re pre-rendered sequences, rendered on a powerful development machine and then placed onto the disc as a video file. That’s one of Square Enix’s tricks for getting their character models and environments to look so much prettier in the cutscenes than in gameplay.
The end result is this: as well as lower-quality CGI sequences, any of the game’s ‘in-engine’ cutscenes that aren’t rendered in real time will suffer from the same compression issues. These sequences are only at 720p on the PS3, but the Xbox 360 compression is significantly more powerful in order to fit the game onto 3 DVDs. The compression used means that any video sequences in the game have a slightly reduced quality.
In reality the compression isn’t going to bother most gamers, and you’ll have to sit pretty damn close to the TV or be playing the game on a massive TV or projector for the difference to detract from your gaming experience. The FMVs are still incredibly impressive – they’re just ever-so-slightly less vivid on the Xbox 360.
Look past the pre-rendered video compression, though, and you’ll see a port that appears as solid as any I’ve ever seen before. Gameplay appears almost identical on both pieces of hardware, and the few differences that I spotted were so negligible that they’re not even worth mentioning.
If one thing is striking about Final Fantasy XIII, its fine sheen the game exudes from every angle – and the same has to be said about the work that Square Enix have done on the port. It’s quite a piece of work, especially considering how quickly it’s come together, and you have to wonder if Square Enix already had the Xbox 360 plugs for Crystal Tools ready to go from the get-go.
The PS3 version looks like it will be superior by default with higher quality music, FMVs and of course no disc-swaps, but the bottom line is whichever console you buy FF13 for, you’re onto a winner. The core game is definitely the same on both versions.
Both versions of the game are out on March 9th, and the Xbox 360 version is going to also be bundled with the console if you don't already have one. Amazon has the Xbox 360 version here and the Playstation 3 version here. There's a Limited Edition Strategy Guide for collectors and the Hardware Bundle, too.
Note: This Article was Published by Alex Donaldson on behalf of John Davies.
17 Dec 2009
9 Mar 2010
9 Mar 2010
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@Bolo & @Dingolberry
ReplyBoth of you are incorrect. Most games for both the 360 and PS3 are native 720p minus a few that are 1080p. In some cases certain games are less than 720, GTAIV for the PS3, Halo 3 for the 360, COD:MW 1 and 2 are both less than 720p for the PS3 and 360.
In many cases with multiplatform games the PS3 version is graphically inferior, PS3 ports will sometimes have no AA and/or a lower native resolution.
Source:
http://forum.beyond3d.com/showthrea d.php?t=46241
@Bolo
ReplyThis just goes to show how little people actually know about anything. There isn't a single 360 game that's natively rendered at 1080P other than small and cheap XBLA titles, but no major titles. In fact, most games on 360 aren't even 720P natively. They are upscaled to 720p. As opposed to the PS3, a good chunk of the games are NATIVE 720P, hence why more PS3 games have the "best graphics" associated with them whereas 360 does not (Uncharted 2, Gran Turismo, Killzone, Wipeout is natively 1080P). Go read a book please and still believing the crap you see on the back of boxes.
A lot of complaints about the compressed 720 video. I find it interesting that NOBODY has mentioned the fact the PS3 outputs natively at 720p. So ONE GAME for xbox outputs at 720 and its like the sky is falling. Every other game is in 1080p, which factually CANNOT be said about the PS3. COnsidering the BLu-Ray drive outputs at 1080p, its a rather odd situation in console specs. But I digress...ensue the flaming...
ReplyDamn bungie what crack you smoking!!
ReplyWhere did you see KHIII is only 360? You are so full of it!
The 360 has proven that RPGs suck on it! Look at Lost Odyssey, Last Remenent, Infinite Undiscovery, and Star Ocean.
You will see that when the game actually comes out that 360 version is far far inferior than the PS3 version.
Even reviewers have stated if you have a choice to get one pick up the PS3 version.
Did you not even know the game was designed on the PS3 and then later ported when MS paid a butt load of money!
READ do your research instead of your stupid 360 fanboyizm crap!
PS3 will always suck at 360
ReplyOr 'mega rpg', which is an even more dubious term. Also, 'game fanboys', people who just play games to have fun, don't usually refer to their PS3 console solely as a Blu-Ray player, because they game on it. Careful, you're showing your spots.
ReplyBlockbuster? As in 'it sold 1M+, so you know its great' or 'critical and public darling that is as fun as it is innovative"? The former: Got none and more often then not, that battle will always go to the 360. If its the latter: Valkyria Chronicles and Demon's Souls. Quantity? I'm not too sure on the 360's position there, but in addition to the MP RPGs, you have games like Cross Edge and WKC on PS3. I can't honestly or objectively state which has more or better quality RPGs, but PS3 is not doing without.
ReplyWhy do you little broke brats man up,save some cash and buy both systems. PS3 is obviously superior in games like ff13. But if you have xbox live and ps3 network you know why you pay that a year,cuz it is far superior in that aspect. I challenge all ps network fanboys to get with your friends, buy xbox live and try it out for a. month . You will see what I mean. I also challenge all xbots to play thier single player games on ps3 then u will see. I'm buying ff13 for the ps3 cuz it is superior, plain and simple. But when I feel like playing with friends to xbox live I go
ReplyAll of you bitching about graphics and exclusives and all those stupid fanboy things, try this.
ReplySwitch off the console, step outside on to the street.
Look at that massive world out there. All those people going about their day, cars, buses, and so on.
All of that out there, doesn't give a shit about your stupid arguments. Amazing, isn't it!
A great game is coming out for both formats. Awesome. More people get to play it. How does it benefit you, if it doesn't, or if it's inferior on another console? It doesn't. Simple.
Now please, just stop. There are so many more important things in life that this. Just enjoy it.
Say what you may about having to swap a disc during gameplay but didn't most of the FF games on the PS1 and PS2 have multiple discs and yet it was never a problem on previous generations of hardware to have to swap a disc. But now all of a sudden it's some kind of sacrilege to have a game with more than one disc. This is not something new people. And also to the comment about FF being a playstation franchise I call bulls&*t on that comment. If you really wanted to be technical it should be a nintendo franchise since sony pulled all the same tricks to steal it away from a long run on nintendo hardware. You fanboys are such idiots and everytime you open your mouths or put your fingers on a keyboard you prove it to us all.
ReplyTo be honest I couldn't give a crap if Mass Effect 2 went to PS3 because I will have had my gaming experience with it and that is all that matters.
ReplyThe fact that a load of PS3 fanboys need to click on, read and comment on a story titled "Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 Version Hands-On Impressions", shows that you may just be a little bit worried that Bill Gates and his Microsoft buddies may be stealing some of your beloved consoles 'glory'.
Killzone 2 had really excellent graphics as did Uncharted 2, which I will openly admit has possibly the best graphics of the current generation of consoles. However Killzone 2 was fairly rubbish in terms of longevity as everyone soon abandoned it for the next COD game or equivalent.
What I take offense too is whiny bastards getting worked up about what the other guy has on their console, and why its so shit etc, etc, blah, blah, blah!!!! Anyone would think they had offended a member of your family personally, and not just dissed your favourite console.
So why can't we all just be happy with what we have and give this whole pathetic fanboy thing a bit of a rest, or at least keep your pro Sony comments to a story that actually involves you.
That way the rest of us can use the comments board to discuss what they are put there for, and that is the story.
@ UF CDH84 You say that PS3 is has only slightly better graphics than 360 and then you say its only being used for rubbish games like Heavy Rain? Stop talking crap. What about games like MGS4 Killzone2 Uncharted 1 and 2. And the upcoming Final Fantasy Versus XIII. I doubt you own a PS3 if you did you wouldnt be acting like a 360 fanboy. And I bet you would be really pissed if Mass Effect 2 came to PS3. Which is beginning to look like its going to happen
ReplyPlaying Final Fantasy on 360 just seems wrong, its a PS3 game simple as that. 360 gamers need to stop trying to act all high and mighty, your lucky big brother Microsoft bought their way in so that you even get a version to play, because we all know Final Fantasy 13 would have stayed exclusive. Thats the funny part Microsoft has to pay for games PS3 was getting anyway.
ReplyYeah we're all know 360 console is more powerfull than ps3, but one problem in this console just about the different disc format using. Xbox 360 only using dual layer DVD standard that have around maks 19 Gb format, while ps 3 using blue ray format that's enough to store data until 54 Gb. That's it, but if we back talking about machine specification comparisson, it's clearly Xbox 360 at the TOP of Ps 3
ReplyIf you really love playing video games then the lower resolution and audio wont really matter and i miss the old swapping discs that this series is known for lol this is a 360 buy for me i also own a ps3
Replylets be honest here what ever system you have will play the game just fine,360 has the lower quality thats been proven on this from many sites and the three discs is just no buy for me on the 360.that said i got bayonetta on the 360 last week due to the loading times on the ps3 which has been patched and now works fine.rage will be coming out later this year poss,that i will pick up on ps3 as again this on the 360 will require 2 discs or a third if MS wants it uncompressed as told by the dev themselves.there will be an option i think to load the data on to your 360 hard drive if your an arcade owner well tough luck.bluray is a must now i just got mag which is an online only game the data on that disc can,t fit on to a dvd thats the way things are going.the best looking games are on ps3,uncharted 2,heavy rain,mgs4,god of war 3,killzone 2,ffx111 the list keeps going on.the 360 is a capable unit but the dvd drive is with out doubt its biggest draw back,if you can,t fit it on you can,t bring it out simple as that.
ReplyI really pity you xbots. You guys are so in denial that you're already typing retardedly blind.
ReplyThen PS3 version it is... :D
ReplyI just sold my 360. ;)
Bungie you are one dumb faghole. There is NO FFVS13 announcement for 360, there is NO exclusive game dlc for 360 (its out of game avatar shit), there are NO rumors of an exclusive Kingdom Hearts sequel, and there are NO previews that claim FF13 runs like shit on PS3 (even the Gamespot article you mention which conlflicts with IGN's preview claims them both to be near flawless). Suck cock in hell and don't forget to tell your mother I love her.
ReplyXOXO
Joey
Omega4 "PS3 is the number one choice for RPG lovers & the best games this gen".
ReplyYou clearly aren't a lover of RPGs especially as the 360 has had esclusives such as Lost Odessey and the Mass Effect series.
What mega RPG's has the PS3 had to date?
Don't get me wrong I own a PS3 and I admit it may be slightly superior in terms of graphics (and I mean very slightly), but when the only way they get shown off is on rubbish games like Heavy Rain, I'll push my Blu-ray player to one side and put on my 360. That way I can play a huge range of AAA games, and even speak to my friends coherently.
So next time think things through before you open your mouth, fag.
ps3 fanboys always with their crap..
Reply3 dvds for crap bpx 360 version along with compressed graphics and video at 720p. not to mention compressed audio for crap box 360 version,.
Reply3 DVDS lol
Some of the comments here are beyond stupid.
ReplyI say good job to Square-Enix for creating a port that features minimal differences between the two platforms. A question for the author though: if I have a HDTV that only supports up to 720p and 1080i resolutions, will I even notice the difference? Does the compression used by the game have any real visual impact at resolutions lower than 1080p? Right now I'm looking at getting the title for the PS3 because I'd like to have everything on one disc, but availability may dictate my system choice so I want to make sure that if I do pick up the 360 version, I really won't be able to tell the difference.
Thanks for the write up.
PS3 fans are sad because every single preview says how bad this game looks and runs on the PS3 , they are mad because the official FFversusXIII announcment to be on the 360. And the rumor of Kingdom Hearts III to be an "xbox only game".
ReplyI understand they feel bad for to have a movie player while the 360 is a powerhouse for gaming.
that the 360 version is is sharper in-game. This has been confirmed by both Gamespot and another site.
ReplyHow about you do a comparison of that as well, since you did a comparison on the CGI.
Another multipltform titles better on the PS3, keep up the good work guys. :)
ReplyOMG! superior PS3 version confirmed! day one.
ReplyI can't wait to play the superior version on my PS3 beside Versus & XIV exclusively on my PS3... :D
ReplyPS3 is the number one choice for RPG lovers & the best games this gen. :D
I forgot to add the exclusive FFXIII Bundle "only on Xbox 360" and guys don't forget the last announcement of FFVersusXIII going multi and with exclusive content on the 360, so at the end the Xbox 360 is fairly and clearly the right choice for gamers.
ReplyOh dear and the 360 gets the best again, PS3 have bad textures, longer loading times, jaggies, low poly characters , while the 360 gets free exclusive DLC , crisper graphics , all better that the PS3 counterpart. Well it seems the PS3 is designed to play movies and the 360 to play games.
ReplyGreat preview i love the website, greetings!