Cross-platform gaming: from simple ports to the Gates of Oblivion
Command & Conquer 3 - PC and Xbox 360 (cont.)Playing at a high resolution will also enhance the graphics greatly compared to the Xbox 360, which renders the game at 720p resolution. This is more noticeable when the view is zoomed all the way out, where identifying and interacting with units becomes easier. Zoomed in, the graphics are almost identical between the two platforms: both feature relatively simple unit models, which are well designed and animated, and the same (heavily overused) post-processing effects for heat distortion and explosions. Even the particle system responsible for smoke and explosions looks identical between the platforms. At 720p resolution, a mid-range DX9 graphics card is more than enough to produce the same effects and keep the frame rate high.
In a recent chat, C&C3's publisher Electronic Arts told YouGamers that their cross-platform titles aren't going to be simple ports, but that they will take advantage of each platform's unique features and strengths. With all its limitations, C&C3's redesigned interface is a million times better than trying to emulate the mouse with Xbox 360's controller could have turned out. Other than the interface and GUI revamp, EA's marketing made some noise about the 5.1 sound support in the Xbox 360 version of the game. In practice, though, the difference to stereo sound is miniscule during gameplay. I found a few misplaced grunts when their report unexpectedly came from a rear channel, but panning the camera around wildly is what made me lose them in the first place. In essence, both platforms provide the same single-player experience - although being forced to start with the GDI campaign on the Xbox 360 seems like an arbitrary decision, and a bitter pill for any NOD die-hard to swallow. The extra challenge imposed by the control mechanism means that on the Xbox 360, the campaign is harder to beat. Surprisingly, the PC version doesn't have a major edge in loading times, despite the Xbox 360 loading every mission directly from the DVD. Updates, formerly a headache limited to PC gamers, is done very elegantly in the Xbox 360 version, especially compared to the horror that is EA's PC game download service EA Link. So how much will it cost you to be able to play C&C3? For this first comparison, let's build an entire PC that can run C&C3 at the Xbox 360 version's performance level:
The total price tallies up to around $470, depending on configuration. This compares unfavorably to the $407 price for playing C&C3 on the Xbox 360 - including the hard disk drive equipped version of Microsoft's console and the Xbox 360 version of C&C3 ($57). On the other hand, online multiplayer games are free on the PC version, while Xbox 360 users have to cough up $8 a month (or $20 per three months/$50 per year) to play online. We'll save price comparison of monitors and high-definition televisions, and their relative benefits, for a future article in the cross-platform series. With small units, icons and quite a bit of text on the screen, C&C3 on the Xbox 360 demands a resolution of 720p (or higher, though upscaling the graphics gives no benefit) to be playable. The PC version of C&C3 does not support the Xbox 360 controller, nor would we advise you to contemplate such masochism.
With its better controls, graphics and value over time, the PC version is the winner here - if you're looking at buying an entire system just for C&C3, the choice is clear. Not surprising, really, considering the game's long heritage on the PC platform and its nascent state on the Xbox 360. It's a good idea to visit the Game-o-Meter to check if you can run C&C3 - if your system doesn't meet the YouGamers minimum requirements, you might be able to upgrade it to a sufficient level with considerably lower cost than buying a new system (either PC or console). Also, if your system meets or exceeds the YouGamers recommended system on the Game-o-Meter, you'll enjoy better visuals and smoother gameplay than the Xbox 360 version. The price for a YouGamers recommended PC for C&C3, however, is closer to $600. The PC, on its home turf, beats the Xbox 360. Let's look what happens when the roles are reversed!
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