It's been no secret that the Xbox 360 version of Madden '08 was going to be better than the PS3 version, but nobody really expected it to be this big of a difference. Less than 24 hours into Madden's release, the difference between the two versions has become a serious point of contention. Maxconsole has the alleged response from EA technical support about the frame rate issues on the PS3 version of Madden '08.
"Rob M." from EA Sports technical support says he understands gamers "frustration," but says that EA has been "developing titles for the Xbox 360 for over 3 1/2 years" and has only been working with the PS3 for over a year. He goes on to say it's "very difficult to get it right the first time." He goes on to say that that 30 frames per second is the same for all PS3 sports games, and they're happy to point out that the same holds true for 2K Sports as well. He finishes by saying that "if you choose not to purchase the [PS3 version], it is a choice [they] fully understand and respect." Definitely expect a little bit more ire about this PS3 Madden thing as people start making lists of all the issues.
EA 'tech. support' explains PS3 Madden frame rate issues
136 Comments by Alexander Sliwinski Aug 14th 2007 9:10PM
Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sports
Tags: ea, framerate, madden, madden08, techissues












(Page 1) Reader Comments
Reply
;)
Sega says you're a liar.
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3161872
"The PS3 difference.: Sadly, just like with NCAA Football 08 and All-Pro Football 2K8, PS3 owners are stuck with an inferior version of Madden. While the game runs at 60 frames per second on Microsoft's box, Madden only clocks in at 30fps on Sony's console. The result? The gameplay isn't nearly as smooth as the 360 version and even stutters at times (see the difference in this comparison video). And that's the reason why we're scoring the PS3 edition slightly lower."
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/812/812702p1.html
"For PS3 owners, this isn't as exciting. Madden 08 runs (sometimes) at 30 frames per second. It makes a huge difference, as you lose a lot of the subtleties in the animations. There are plenty of framerate hitches that will likely frustrate players. This can cause a lag in the Hit Stick sometimes. And, let's face it, no one wants to see a runningback pause for a second in mid air as the framerate stutters. You can still play and mostly enjoy Madden, but beware that on PS3 the game does not run smoothly."
"Closing Comments
Madden NFL 08 on PS3 is no a great game. It is a shadow of its cousin on 360. Though the feature set is identical, the drop to an unstable 30fps hurts considerably. The visuals and the gameplay suffer. If you are a real Madden nut and think you can fight through the framerate issues, Madden is an overall good game. It just doesn't run very well."
Ah, well that settles it then.
Wait...he isn't talking about Madden 07?
Reply
Exclusive NFL license FTL!
Reply
Who in their right mind would buy a PS3?
Reply
Reply
Its becoming increasingly difficult in showing my ps3 some love when it comes to some of these games, but I have a 360 as well so I am not losing out on anything. I am not a fanboy of any platform but please don't say the developers need more time to unlock the power of the cell, or whatever else that helps you sleep better at night. I know one thing if heavenly sword ends up sucking, we are going to have a problem.
Reply
Under any other circumstances I probably wouldn't own a ps3 but it does make for a pretty good bluray player though.
Its because Sony is a whore for being unique, and personally, I think they went too far adding in a Blu-ray player just to get Blu-ray sales up. If they would have gone with a standard DVD9 drive, they would have gotten faster loading times, lower production costs, and could release the same amount of content at a cheaper price (albeit two discs or more), but I don't get why people care about the storage space... I mean, you get more on a disc, but you have to suffer through hella long loading times.
Plus, if EA could just spend more time they could've easily made the game run at 60fps...but the only problem is that they are under a time limit.
So unless one company or the other does something about this, we'll be seeing some shitty ports to the PS3 for awhile.
The problem for the PS3 will be that by the time the developers are on board and wil know what they are doing it will be too late for this generation. You have to wonder what SONY's strategy is for this generation. Will the next generation of videogames be the first where all of the primary competitors dont launch within a year or a year and a half of each other? It's exciting to think about. How would that affect peoples wallets and perceptions?
Lets say in 3 years Microsoft comes out with the new XBOX. Would Sony jump right in with them or would they ride it out with the PS3 until potential mass profitability? Will they try to upgrade the PS3 ala Sega 32X to try to compete with the new Microsoft system in order to stick with their 10 year plan?
I remember when SNES and Genesis were competing I thought gaming as we knew it would come to an end. Back in the NES glory days everyone had a NES. Every stinkin kid on the block. Nintendo Power, EGM, and Gamepro was the only news we had (pre internet). I oh so dearly remember hoping Quarterman would have some juicy news for us. Nowadays, Joystiq is my Quarterman.
COD4: "Same level of AA between 360/PS3, both @ 60fps"
and
http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2007/07/12/dirt-for-the-ps3-looks-fantastic-compared-to-the-360/
EA sucks, really. Thats all there is to it. Screwed up the Bond series and now this. I was really hyped up for Army of 2 but seems like will need to rein back expectations for all EA titles.
And thank god for Pro Evo.
Reply
Couldn't agree more.
Ya that 3/8 inch between that 360 and PS2/3 right thumb pad throws it all off to and uncomfortable degree.
Hilarious.
That's very good news to know that the truly elite developers (Infinity Ward, Valve, etc.) can make the PS3 version of their game look as good as the 360 version.
But most multiplatform releases this year have been delayed for the PS3, and/or look worse graphically on the PS3.
I would expect more from the console that has a $200 price premium.
Its a rumor from a member claiming to be a developer. No actual evidence or official releases regarding 60fps minimum on the ps3. A rumor by a member claiming to be a developer who in his rumor uses the word 'crack-head'? Hmm. If you say so =).
Crack-head. Doesn't sound that professional. If I started calling all xbox 360 owners crack-heads, I'd sound more like a fanboy than an actual developer. Oh well, don't let that discourage this rumor and prevent you from posting it as fact.
The PS3 controller does kinda suck for FPS. The analogs are in an uncomfortable position. I remember I felt this way back when Timesplitters first came out on PS2. The 360 pad is perfect! Its a fact.
And yes 3/8th of an inch does matter. (Insert immature joke here.)
Reply
I think its more on how people care for their console that gets them the RROD. Not just design flaws and such.
Many people treated their 360's with proper care and the thing failed. It's not up for debate anymore now that MS has returned out-of-warranty repair fees, extended the warranty to every console made so far, and ships out repaired boxes with additional heat sinks added.
Reply
PS3, you're ugly. No one cares about MGS4 and the fact that you have a less than 1% failure rate. $500+ for you? I could get a mistress for that much money.
Reply
Sincerely,
a 31-year-old man who doesn't play Madden
Don't tell him to get a mistress! There's a chance he'd procreate and there would be more of him.
Strange that other multiplat games can look decent on both consoles yet EA cant seem to pull it off... cant be THAT hard to code for even with only a "year" of experience.
I hardly think Madden is the kind of game that pushes consoles to the limit
Reply
This brings back memories of the Saturn vs Sony days. PS3 (like Saturn) is a hard system to develop for. That resulted in a lot of PS1 exclusives because PS1 was easier to develop for.
No matter how you spin it this is bad for SONY. Madden is the best selling game in America and is an important game for winning the console race.
If the sales for the PS3 Madden slump, then this is bad news for Sony...in America of course. Do you guys remember how EA sales on the Saturn were? awful! That forced EA to go with SONY.
Will XBOX360 be the console of choice for video-game jocks?
Reply
Isnt it already?
Absolutely.
"John Schappert, senior vice president at Electronic Arts Inc. and co-founder of EA Tiburon, has jumped ship in favour of a desk at Microsoft Corporation."
Wow, a founder of Tiburon - the guys who make Madden - and sr. vp at EA splits for a cushy job with MS and it just so happens the MS version of an EA game he was behind is superior to the PS3 version?
Coincidence?
Reply
Reply
I haven't played the PS3 version so I cant confirm if the framerate is solid, all I can confirm is that it seems the 360 version often drops below 30 FPS.
Reply
A. For some reason your 360 is processing at a slower clip then everyone elses?
OR
B. If you have a problem with the fps on the 360, you will be real pissed at the PS3 version.
If you read the reviews for the PS3 version on metacritic, a lot of the reviewers complain of slowdown, especially when compared to the 360's version.