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Just Cause 3 PS4 and Xbox One Versions Compared in New Technical Analysis

Which version are you getting?

339 Comments

Ahead of open-world game Just Cause 3's release tomorrow, a new technical analysis compares the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions--and it appears Sony's system has the edge.

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Digital Foundry obtained copies of the game early. After applying update 1.01, the site reports that, as expected, the PS4 edition runs at native 1080p while the Xbox One version comes in at 900p

"Initial comparisons of art assets, effects, and lighting suggests that both versions are operating with the same visual feature set," it said. "[Developer] Avalanche clearly felt no need to adjust GPU-intensive elements such as shadow quality--in this respect, both look equivalent to the high setting on the PC game."

Overall, Digital Foundry concluded that both console versions of Just Cause 3 "look very similar," though the PS4 version has a slightly "crisper" image quality.

In terms of performance and frame rate, however, the differences between the two version is reportedly more pronounced. Both editions target a frame rate of 30 fps; neither version apparently holds that very well, with the Xbox One edition suffering the most by comparison.

"It is indeed the Xbox One release that offers a noticeably lower level of in-game fluidity," Digital Foundry said. "In our tests, we've compared both cut-scenes and gameplay, and our lowest recorded drop occurs on Xbox One, where a massive explosion sends us plummeting to 20 fps, while PS4 plateaus to 24 fps in entirely different circumstances--with CPU power the likely culprit for bottlenecked performance there.

"In between shoot-outs, both editions mostly hold at 30 fps, but once things kick off, it's clear that Microsoft's machine struggles to a more noticeable extent. It's clear that PlayStation 4 has the edge in sustaining target performance more consistently. What's particularly disappointing is that even in areas with little or nothing going on, Xbox One can still have issues--moving into a forest area and spinning around on the spot can cause the engine's performance to drop to the mid-20s, while PlayStation 4 retains the lion's share of its performance."

No Caption Provided

Game director Roland Lesterlin said previously that Avalanche is "confident our players will thoroughly enjoy themselves no matter the platform they play the game on."

Digital Foundry has also performed some initial tests on Just Cause 3's PC version. Read the full story for more. Check back soon for GameSpot's Just Cause 3 review.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

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Leemundo

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Well, I have an Xbox, so this article does not effect me whatsoever.

For those of you who have both, buy a PC if you want the best.

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Homey_D_Clown

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This fanboy on fanboy crime must stop!

Fanboys choice of toy matters!

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OrochiPunisher

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So the excuse now is that DF is a paid shill for Sony. Fact of the matter is the XB1 takes a hit in performance because of the system memory they dedicated to kinect. Couple that with the 50% more powerful GPU in the PS4 and that is why multiplatform titles run slightly better. It isn't a big deal it's just resolution. But call a spade a spade. Microsoft was so focused on Kinect and it is suffering because of it.

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StylesT

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Lol they are really putting that '50%' more powerful gpu to use with a "slightly" crisper picture and an extra 4fps when they both dip at their worst.... 50% are you that delusional you believe that?

@orochipunisher:

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OrochiPunisher

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@stylest: You might want to do some research. On paper the PS4's GPU is 50% more powerful.

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beastmode

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Guys remember that the ps4 has not unlocked all its power as yet now that they are planning to unlock more power for the ps4 its going to make the xbox one look like last generation.

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Deadlyredly

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@beastmode: To be honest that extra core is gonna make **** all difference. Will only be a very slight gain.

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wannorious

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What is going on with X1 games, the gap is widening! first it was resolution, now resolution and frame rate!

I remember once an MS guy, i think boyd M. said in an interview that MS has a better story to tell when it comes to frame rate and that was their target vs. resolution (lol), i think this guy lives in a different reality (the guy is even a techie) makes you wonder what kind of perception these guys have bout their system. I hope someone asks him in another interview what is his take after so many games that came on X1 and ran at lower res. and worse FPS. i think it might be time for me to ditch the X1

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imajinn

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@wannorious: If your ditching a console because of resolution and frame rate, ditch em both and go with a PC

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wannorious

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@imajinn: i hear you, no doubt that is the ultimate solution however personally i don't like gaming on PC, i have a surface pro i use it to play league of legends, beyond that i prefer console gaming.

it is just funny that this guy from MS believes they have a better story to tell when it comes to FPS, i wish i could find this interview again, or someone asks him this question in another interview again

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Kyelo

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I thought the OS update was going to give parity...or was it the extra unlocked core, nope wait it was the cloud! :p

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jerjef

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@kyelo: None of the above troll. I'd go into the details of why the OS was updated, but you wouldn't care anyway.

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Kyelo

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@jerjef: I would actually, I'm merely trolling the fanboys. I personally think it makes little difference to a persons enjoyment what console they have.

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jerjef

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Edited By jerjef

@kyelo: Well I respect your opinion, but I still can't condone the trolling.

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BobaFettHatesU

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Edited By BobaFettHatesU

This is what happens when you play an open world game full of detail on a console and not a PC. Call of Duty is an excellent console game, as is Wolfenstien, Diablo, Gears of War, Uncharted.... Games like Assassins Creed, Metal Gear Solid, Just Cause, Elder Scrolls, GTA, Fallout... really need to be experienced on PC.

Gaming PC's are NOT that expensive people.... you can even still use your gamepads.

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Homey_D_Clown

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Edited By Homey_D_Clown

While I agree with you that graphics are important, they are not worth having to wait 3-5 years for it to be released on PC, in some cases never (RDR).

I rather have the option to play console games or PC (when or if it ever comes out for it).

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jasongm

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@homey_d_clown: The thing about PC gaming, it crashes often, look at games like Batman as an example. There's just to much to invest on a gaming rig that might or might not work. PC gaming was a big hit back in the 90s to early 2000.

Most PC developers are now finding a home to consoles, while others prefer to stay where they are more comfortable at (WoW, GW2 etc..). Game developers will go where the money is and so far consoles seems to be the more popular choice.

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harlemsfinest27

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@bobafetthatesu: No one gives a f*ck about PC

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andrew01093

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People still trust Digital Foundry??

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jerjef

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@andrew01093: Well they do show their work, but their bias can sometimes be very apparent.

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BobaFettHatesU

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@jerjef: Always a biased fanboy when simply showing a consoles flaws.

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jerjef

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@bobafetthatesu: There's a difference between showing a flaw and exaggerating it. You don't want to hear that because you're of the bias fanboy philosophy on the other side of the fence.

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BobaFettHatesU

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@jerjef: I am? Biased towards PC with a console preference in extreme cases? THE HORROR

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jerjef

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@bobafetthatesu: You are well known for being very anti-xbox so your bias is just as strong as any fanboy's, to the point of often being illogical and unreasonable. You see anyone defending it you immediately jump to action. Frankly I don't know why you're so concerned about it.

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BobaFettHatesU

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Edited By BobaFettHatesU

@jerjef: As long as the Xbox One continues to be a laughing stock and the lowest common denominator of current gen consoles it will always be the whipping boy of people that expect better. I understand as someone with incredibly low standards it can be difficult for you, as it is for many others when you see people online, on every single gaming site, dog the shit out of it. You'll just have to get over it or open your mind and be a little more diverse by not committing yourself to blind and empty brand loyalty.

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jerjef

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@bobafetthatesu: I think I can find solace in the fact that it's a small consistent group of sad trolls who "dog the shit out of it" while everyone else enjoys what they have because they're what we call gamers.

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StylesT

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Yup he seemingly lives on this site obsessing over the Xbox... he is a 24/7 troll... so take solace that he clearly has nothing in his life but his trolling... the differences in games are so minimal its insane resources are even wasted to compare them.

@jerjef:

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diggergig

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@bobafetthatesu: Sad.

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DefinitivePlus

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Two years into the consoles life cycles and they are getting 20-30 fps on average, worryingly underpowered, both systems.

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jerjef

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@DefinitivePlus: The devs need to accept the limitations of these consoles and adjust their designs accordingly. MS were showing their awareness of the X1s limitations when they opted for a dynamic res for Halo 5. When the devs try to push too much we get outcomes like this. The console's lifecycles are fine as long as devs realize what they're working with.

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jerjef

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I've read that this thing has major memory leaks causing it to be infuriatingly unstable. Any confirmation of this from DF?

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Vizard666

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Should I get Just Cause 3 or Assassins Creed Syndicate for my PC. Trying to decide between the 2. I know they are two different games but which has better value?

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jerjef

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@Vizard666: On the review front they're both mediocre it seems. I guess it really boils down to the setting. Do you like old school London? If not go with JC3.

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xXxKTTxXx

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@7tizz: basically you and the PS fanboy Sampson1213 or whatever his name is are the poison of GS comment sections...
I swear the whiniest fanboys in existence...

I am both a PC and an Xbox gamer, yet neither am I an "elitist" or an "Xbot", and I like the PS4 as well (WiiU is not my thing though xD) I believe we all have the right to play on any system we want. Each system has its strengths & weaknesses. You don't have to act like a self entitled b*tch and justify that your choice of console is the best.

PS4 & Xbox One are both underpowered in general, but the Xbox One is more so. JC3 is a great game... sure it has its own share of issues but it's very far from being "Shitty".

Seriously, lets organize a fight-to-the-death match between 7tizz and Samspon..... the GS comment section would be a better place....

"7tizz V Sampson1213: Dawn of Fanboys" =P

hehe sorry for the language but I had to say something....

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93ChevyNut

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@7tizz: If your beloved plastic box performs worse than the other plastic box, make sure to insult the game and all those who buy it.

What do the kids say these days?

"Dat logic tho...."

I honestly don't know if I did that right....

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Tomahawk08

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Edited By Tomahawk08

@7tizz: Sounds like you don't have much to say for once. That's a first. Yet still, pot meet kettle; you're as big a fanboy as any of them.

Finally coming to realization that your piece of plastic isn't as great as you thought?

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WildfireV2

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@7tizz: Didn't see people arguing over JC in here, other arguments broke out instead. There's a dickhead PC "elitist" that actually knows nothing about computing in here roaming around.

As for Just Cause, I bought the game from the US digi store last month with the deluxe edition too. Figured why not, it's cheaper for me anyway and I buy all my games digital so it should be installed when I finished work.

Looking forward to it after I finish up with Tomb Raider DE.

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TheDarkoil

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20-30fps sounds bad but if it's what you are used to it probably won't be that big of a deal.

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Bickle2

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@thedarkoil: I intentionally lock to 30 whenever possible. 60 offers no benefit and looks horrible. If we're running quad Titans, I'd still lock to 30

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capocrimeboss

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I like turtles.

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