• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Digital Foundry: Call Of Duty Black Ops 3 Face Off

Qassim

Member
What they're saying about the multiplayer thing is based in their technical analysis. They're saying that based on the technical analysis, if you have friends on Xbox Live, then you shouldn't feel bad about playing the solid Xbox One version because it is a technically solid version of the game.

That's all. I really don't see any problem with that. It is totally relevant in a conclusion of DF's technical analysis, because there could be a situation where one version is so bad technically that they wouldn't feel right in recommending it as a 'solid' choice.
 

jaypah

Member
It's written a bit wonky but I understood it as "regardless of PS4 being better, don't skip on Xbone because it's solid too"

Sounded like they just wanted to let Xbox only owners know that their game isn't broken or anything. Can't have that though!
 

Kilau

Gold Member
Yes it seems like DF likes to throw in non technical things into their technical analysis, I don't really get it.

On topic, those resolutions are awful imo, 1200x900, ick.
 

dofry

That's "Dr." dofry to you.
Jesus Christ how can someone get so bent out of shape because of that line

To be fair I had simular annoyance a while ago regarding DF comparison. But as nothing has changed I just shrug and move on. The techical things are still there even though padded with some extra opinions. Anyone can judge on their own from the material they provide although a dry objective approach would be best.
 

RedStep

Member
Digital Foundry started the non-tech side of things with that line.

Why would just stating "The PS4 is the clear better version between consoles", and leaving it at that, be a problem?

They could have just presented the facts and left it at that in their conclusion... But they didn't. There just had to be a disclaimer which isn't technical in the slightest.

Where's the comment about the fact that the PC version has free multiplayer if we are going down this road?

DF has ALWAYS had comments like that. Here's one from Resident Evil 5 in 2009, where they recommend going with the (cleeearly infeeerior) PS3 version if that's where your friends are:

However, the fun of the co-op mode is orders of magnitude more important than the differences between the two conversions, so the core issue comes down to which set of online buddies you want to be playing this game with. Spend more time on PSN? Go for PS3. Got a whopping great Xbox Live friends list? Buy that one and consider the better visuals and smoother gameplay a nice Brucie-bonus.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/face-off-resident-evil-5-article?page=2

Why would it suddenly be an issue now?
 

c0de

Member
What they're saying about the multiplayer thing is based in their technical analysis. They're saying that based on the technical analysis, if you have friends on Xbox Live, then you shouldn't feel bad about playing the solid Xbox One version because it is a technically solid version of the game.

That's all. I really don't see any problem with that. It is totally relevant in a conclusion of DF's technical analysis, because there could be a situation where one version is so bad technically that they wouldn't feel right in recommending it as a 'solid' choice.

They are saying that the xbone is worse than ps4 but still good, especially in multiplayer, and make a suggestion. It shouldn't be surprising who is disturbed by this.
 

DeepEnigma

Gold Member
Yes. Imo. I have both systems and hands down xb1 is better.

Yet I prefer the DS4. Controller preference is a subjective one, since they both pretty much function the same. It is definitely not a technical one between the two OEM parts.

How many friends are in my controller however... hmmm. ;)
 

stew

Member
It's written a bit wonky but I understood it as "regardless of PS4 being better, don't skip on Xbone because it's solid too"
I understood the same.
They answer to people wondering if the Xbox One version still worth it for someone who wants to play online.
 

Intrigue

Banned
What they're saying about the multiplayer thing is based in their technical analysis. They're saying that based on the technical analysis, if you have friends on Xbox Live, then you shouldn't feel bad about playing the solid Xbox One version because it is a technically solid version of the game.

That's all. I really don't see any problem with that. It is totally relevant in a conclusion of DF's technical analysis, because there could be a situation where one version is so bad technically that they wouldn't feel right in recommending it as a 'solid' choice.

Isn't it obvious tho?

As a consumer you already made your choice to play with your friends over playing on a system that provides higher quality? You did it the day you picked up your xbox one.
 

Kezen

Banned
Very nice gap between max PC settings and consoles. Hoping to see more of that in the coming years. The volumetric lighting on PC is gorgeous, not surprised consoles can't handle it.
 

Mechazawa

Member
Interesting to see how many people chose to get bent out of shape over a minor non-technical comment regarding the "friends" thing, but chose to glaze over the "PS4 has DLC first" thing.

DF has a history of making small, non-technical based quips, usually at the end or start of their articles. Complaining about the "friends" thing feels like choosing to wade into some console warrior bullshit.
 

Durante

Member
Of course not. From a technical point of view, nobody would expect a different outcome. PC of course the best, ps4 best of the rest (of 2).
Yeah, but often there's at least some noteworthy details. In this case, you really have the completely typical outcome (console versions from medium PC settings upward, PS4 just about exactly as much better than XB1 as you would expect, etc.).
 

KORNdoggy

Member
Interesting to see how many people chose to get bent out of shape over a minor non-technical comment regarding the "friends" thing, but chose to glaze over the "PS4 has DLC first" thing.

DF has a history of making small, non-technical based quips, usually at the end or start of their articles. Complaining about the "friends" thing feels like choosing to wade into some console warrior bullshit.

tbh it's all bullshit. tomb raider got some weird "the gameplay doesn't feel next gen" sign off. in a technical analysis there really shouldn't be any room for "if you prefer x controller buy x version" or "if you friends are on x, buy x" or "x has DLC, so buy x over y"

it's irrelevant to what they're apparently trying to do.
 

c0de

Member
Yeah, but often there's at least some noteworthy details. In this case, you really have the completely typical outcome (console versions from medium PC settings upward, PS4 just about exactly as much better than XB1 as you would expect, etc.).

I am actually glad it is that “usual“, otherwise we would have talk about lazy devs, not utilizing the immense power of the consoles (at least for now), not being full 1080p on consoles.
 

KKRT00

Member
It is amazing how many times we have seen the same topic in threads this generation from them, which I never recalled last gen, when they were torching the grass in games.

Bullshit. They were always making such claims.

"At the end of the day, in terms of the buying decision, the sheer importance of the game's multiplayer component is such that it's your choice of friends list that is going to determine which version of Modern Warfare 2 you buy. While the PS3 version has had some early glitches, bugs and party issues, it's also readily apparent that Infinity Ward is continually working to make sure the game works as it should. "
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-modern-warfare-2-face-off?page=3

---
beaten by RedStep with different article.
 
"Multiplayer is the saving grace for the game on both platforms. While resolution drops below the intended 900p on Xbox One, both consoles regularly achieve a slick 60fps experience with noticeable drops limited to explosive scenes. The PS4 version comes out ahead on the basis of providing a higher resolution, but the series' fast-paced twitch shooting still works well on Xbox One. In that respect the Sony platform has an overall advantage, but if you primarily play online, the Xbox One version is a solid choice if that's the platform where your friends are. Activision's marketing priorities have changed - and PS4 also has the advantage of getting DLC content ahead of other platforms."

lol

So if most of my friends are on PS4 then it the PS4 version is not a solid choice?
 

c0de

Member
The number of posts which concentrate on what the article says about the technical part shows how much people actually care for the technical part.
 
They are saying that the xbone is worse than ps4 but still good, especially in multiplayer, and make a suggestion. It shouldn't be surprising who is disturbed by this.

It's amazing that you're trying to act like the moral compass here when you're hardly an unbiased individual.
 

Montresor

Member
I've submitted a potential revision for "the sentence":

In that respect the Sony platform has an overall advantage, but if you don't have a PS4 or PC, and if XB1 is the only platform that you play on, and also if you have at least one friend playing on XB1, and if you don't mind frame rate that is slightly less stable than the PS4 version (and much less stable than the PC version), and if you don't mind sub-900p resolution, then eh, I guess the XB1 version will be a half-decent choice.
 
Isn't 900p supposed to be 1600x900 these XBO resolutions are getting weirder and weirder.

I guess there's more to it than a better marketable number though and that there's a tangible advantage of lowering the resolution like that.

Won't stop me from enjoying my XBO or make me get a PS4 but I do have to reassess my outlook on the power difference between the 2 more and more.
 
So you want them to say "Xbox One is inferior. PS4 all day every day fuck your friends if they are on Xbox"?

They are saying the version is solid. Jesus.
While I don't think that line is wrong, I still don't see why it should be mentioned in a technical article.

Btw,
Those using lower-end hardware are likely to struggle - and that's a real disappointment, bearing in mind how accomplished Advanced Warfare operated even on budget-orientated PC hardware.
I'm eager to see how this game will perform on a i3/750 ti setup compared to on consoles. If it looks good on PC, I might invest in a budget Steam machine.
 
Have both versions. The PS4 version is clearly the better one graphically and all that. Not that the XB1 version is unplayable, in fact it's really good, it's just that if anyone has both the PS4 and XB1 and are wondering which version to get, then PS4 takes the cake here.

The only way i can recommand the XB1 version is friends and controller preference, otherwise PS4 all the way.
 

Intrigue

Banned
The number of posts which concentrate on what the article says about the technical part shows how much people actually care for the technical part.

Because it is same story as almost all other multi platform games, more pixels/better frame rate on ps4.

It is no longer news. People look for the "other" things.
 

vin-buc

Member
First, yikes at the 1280x900 resolution. That's very low and the video shows many drops to the low 50's. Much better res, framerate and DLC first on PS4 - how the times have changed.

Also - I think folks are reading the "if you play online..." comment wrong. I think that they're making the comparison to Campaing vs. MP on the xbox itself. Which in the article they've said it runs much smoother on MP than single player. Basically, if you play online on the xb1 - you'll get a much better experience than playing the campaign on xb1.
 

panda-zebra

Banned
The number of posts which concentrate on what the article says about the technical part shows how much people actually care for the technical part.

TBF, at this point it already feels like we've been there and done that a few days ago. These DF threads have a weird groundhog day vibe to them of late, very hard to keep up with which articles they post are which.
 

c0de

Member
Because it is same story as almost all other multi platform games, more pixels/better frame rate on ps4.

It is no longer news. People look for the "other" things.

There is still pc but apparently only a few care about that as this is also very often one-sided.

I think it's sad that almost nobody is glad that mp on all platforms is good and meets what people like about cod mp.
 
Lol at people who are so fucking immersed in console wars that if every DF comparo isn't a full on PS4 circle jerk they start whining. DF isn't required to follow your made up strict definition of a technical comparison.
 
Article misses the biggest point. Per object motionblur can be turned on at ALL times on PC. unlike the on and off of consoles depending upon the scene.
 

dark10x

Digital Foundry pixel pusher
Article misses the biggest point. Per object motionblur can be turned on at ALL times on PC. unlike the on and off of consoles depending upon the scene.
Oh man, I'm suddenly interested in the game now. What is wrong with me?
 
Lol at people who are so fucking immersed in console wars that if every DF comparo isn't a full on PS4 circle jerk they start whining. DF isn't required to follow your made up strict definition of a technical comparison.

Yeah, seriously. Maybe they just wanted people to know that even though PS4 version is better, doesn't meant the Xbox version is shit.
 

Feeroper

Member
Isn't it obvious tho?

As a consumer you already made your choice to play with your friends over playing on a system that provides higher quality? You did it the day you picked up your xbox one.

No it isn't obvious.

Many people have both platforms. If someone is a multi platform owner but have friends with only one platform or the other, and for a game that is well known for its multi player experience, it makes sense that they would point this out. If on the other hand the experience was so god-awful that it affected it I would expect that to be pointed out as well.

For multi player games, playing where your friends are is a big deal, so if you have PS4 and XB1, and your friends only have this game on XB1, you would probably be stuck between a rock and a hard place if you read the technical analysis as clearly the PS4 outperforms the XB1 version. However, in this case they are indicating that if playing with your friends is important to you, the differences are not to the extent that you should avoid the XB1 version. Its great that they have a technical comparison, but I also like the human touch as well, otherwise it would be more akin to just looking at a spreadsheet.

Just my opinion though, I went with the PS4 version myself as I prefer the optimal performance, but as a multi console owner, I appreciate that they do this.
 

RoboPlato

I'd be in the dick
Article misses the biggest point. Per object motionblur can be turned on at ALL times on PC. unlike the on and off of consoles depending upon the scene.
It's on during the segment of the campaign on the train in the second mission and the game looks so much better for it. Otherwise it's only on menus and in cutscenes. I really hate that CoD is doing this lately. Just leave the effect off entirely if you're not going to use it. It's annoying when a game gets such and immediate boost/drop in visual quality. Same about the 30fps cutscenes.
 
Top Bottom