Fallout 3 (Playstation 3, 2008)

When all things are equal, I prefer the quiet reliability of the PS3, and much more so the PS3 controllers far better analog trigger feel and response. Unfortunately, all things are NOT equal with the 360 and PS3 version of Fallout 3.

The publisher, Bethesda, took two different approaches in rewriting Fallout 3 PC code for the 360 and PS3; the 360 version is capable of 1080P,- but actually sacrificed some fine detail of characters hair and faces, as well as some terrain and objects,- in order to maintain a constant playable framerate,- ...while the PS3 has 720P max resolution,- but in fact has retained much more of the fine detail in characters, terrain and objects,- being as near to the PC version as possible (virtually a direct port),- which would be a good thing if it could have retained the detail without sacrificing framerate down to as low as 15 fps in some instances.

In addition to the framerate issue, rather than permit antialiasing to drop in and out and frame sync to turn on and off (both of which the 360 does to maintain framerate, resulting in the occassional crawling image outline and minor tearing at top/bottom of screen frame),- the PS3 turns off antialiasing altogether, and maintains frame sync no matter how much framerate slows, resulting in a stuttering slideshow affect at the worst possible times of outdoor intense action.

The occasional aliasing lines can be distracting with the 360,- but are impossible to ignore with the PS3, when a character is talking to you.. and the edge of their suit appears to be a constant movement of a trail of ants! In an RPG, where immersion into characters and environment is so important,- this is unforgiveable.

As I have both game systems and game versions, I will be playing the 360 version, which also has some exclusive downloadable expansions coming available as an added incentive. Both PS3 and 360 have some retail expansion sequals coming,- and I would certainly not miss this game if you only have the PS3 game system.
(If you have a serious gaming PC, you could also play the PC version and if you prefer the tactile feel and feedback of a controller, you can use the 360 controller to PC USB adapter and spend the time required to properly adjust sensitivity before playing).

Other notes: The PS3 version is clearer, brighter and has higher detail, regardless of being limited to 720P,- and if one can ignore the distraction of aliasing lines on object outines, and the few times that framerate becomes noticeable,- then the PS3 may be preferable for brightness and detail,- not to forget that the PS3 version did a FAR better job of fine tuning the controller smoothness and accuracy compared to the 360 version. The brightness, controller sensitivity, etc, can be adjusted for the 360, but it still appears darker and less detailed,- and if I wanted to spend an hour adjusting controller sensitivity to make it playable, I would play the game on PC. (I may play both 360 and PS3 as completely different characters and write reviews based on those unique experiences and issues encountered throughout the game on both game systems).