Lens of Truth Staff | 
November 9, 2009 | 
UPDATE: For more information on the color differences check out our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Color Differences Feature.
“…the real decision comes down to which version your friends are getting.”
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| Infinity Ward |
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| Release: 11/10/09 | 27 sec | 19 sec | Release: 11/10/09 | |||||||||
| ESRB: Mature |
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Head2Head – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Analysis We go Head2Head with the much anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. |
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Once again, thanks to the fine folks at Play N Trade (Lake Mary), the Lens of Truth got its hands on one of the most anticipated games this year. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. If you are in the market for this game, sit back and get your trigger finger ready because this is one war you’re not going to want to miss! Hooraah!
But before we begin, let us reiterate the purpose of our comparisons. Our comparisons are tailored to the multi-console owner, the ones who want to know what is different between each version. Differences such as load times and small graphic variations might not mean much to some, but to others it may. It is our job to report the differences, no matter how small, present the data and determine a victor. No matter what the verdict is on a game, we will have some gamers who disagree with us. That is fine by us; at least we provided the facts and ultimately it is up to the consumer to decide which version to purchase.
Graphics: Technically speaking, both games look very close in the graphics department. Like the previous CoD 4 and CoD: WaW, both versions of CoD: MW2 run at sub 720p resolution but support 2x anti-aliasing to compensate. While the graphics are great, Infinity Ward never really pushed the visual envelope. Some textures looked great, while others were less than stellar. But it was nice to see that they were able to maintain the texture quality across both platforms, which you’ll notice in the rollovers. However, like most of our Head2Heads, there were some minor differences between ports and they are worth mentioning. The shadow quality on both versions of CoD: MW2 are pretty jaggy, but the Xbox 360 version softens the stair stepping effect by essentially anti-aliasing the shadow (higher samples). Another difference we noticed, off the bat, was that the PlayStation 3 version was missing an overbright (glare/bloom) effect throughout. We mostly noticed this effect on metal objects like the guns the characters were holding or areas that had intense specular or bright surfaces. Now before you yell “victory!” you might want to let us explain. Indeed, the effect is cool, but in all actuality you’ll only notice it when there isn’t a battle going on. For instance: you’re in the middle of a fire fight, bullets flying everywhere, things blowing up all around, do you think the bloom effect is going to be noticeable? Probably not. On the other hand, in the snow levels the effect can be seen almost everywhere and helps emphasize the whiteout conditions. Now these might not be significant differences, but none the less they are technical differences. We at the Lens of Truth have to acknowledge these variations no matter how small or insignificant they may seem; we feel that gamers deserve to know. Moving on.
Performance: Both versions of CoD: MW2 perform well, but neither version is perfect. As you will see in our analysis video, when things get hectic on the screen the frame rate starts to take a dive south. The frame rate range in some segments of the game are drastically different, starting at 60fps and dropping down to around the 30fps mark. The good thing is that the game very rarely drops below 30fps so you don’t feel the plummet as much. However, the PlayStation 3 version consistently had the lower frame rate when the screen was packed with action. It also appears that both versions of the game suffer performance loss when there is a large amount of alpha smoke on the screen. Just like the previous CoD entries this generation, Infinity Ward decided to v-lock the game. Good choice, as it is refreshing to be able to fire a weapon and not have the screen split into two due to frame tearing. Overall, we were very impressed with the performance Infinity Ward was able to squeeze out of their engine. Listed below are the averages for both versions of CoD: MW2:
| Clip 1: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 51.88 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 55.04 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
Clip 2: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 47.00 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 54.45 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
| Clip 3: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 50.17 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 57.53 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
Clip 4: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 59.45 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 59.96 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
| Clip 5: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 58.78 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 59.60 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
Clip 6: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 60.00 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 59.98 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
| Clip 7: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 59.10 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 59.98 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
Clip 8: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 58.42 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 59.65 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
| Clip 9: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 59.11 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 59.91 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
Global: PlayStation 3 Avg. FPS: 53.73 / Xbox 360 Avg. FPS: 57.31 PlayStation 3 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% / Xbox 360 Avg. Frame Tear: 0.0% |
Loading: CoD: MW2 manages to mask the load times during each of the mission briefings and story narrations. So, if you are simply playing through the game the load times will not affect the gameplay experience. But, if you decide to replay a mission and want to skip the narrations, the Xbox 360 version has the quicker load times. On average, the PlayStation 3 takes 27 seconds to load while the Xbox 360 takes only 19 seconds. Also note that the PlayStation 3 version does not have a mandatory install.
Load Time 1: PlayStation 3 – 14 sec / Xbox 360 – 14 sec
Load Time 2: PlayStation 3 – 40 sec / Xbox 360 – 25 sec
Load Time 3: PlayStation 3 – 30 sec / Xbox 360 – 20 sec
Load Time 4: PlayStation 3 – 26 sec / Xbox 360 – 18 sec
Roll over to see the differences. Here we compare the different HDMI settings between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Roll over to see the differences. Notice the bloom on the Xbox 360.
Roll over to see the differences.
Roll over to see the differences. Notice the slightly smoother shadows on the Xbox 360.
Roll over to see the differences. Notice the bloom on the Xbox 360.
Roll over to see the differences. Notice the bloom on the Xbox 360.
Roll over to see the differences.
Conclusion: Regardless of which version of CoD: MW2 you decide to buy, you will not be disappointed. Infinity Ward has done a great job of matching the quality of the game between the platforms. But like every Head2Head we need to judge the versions against one another. And even though the differences are minor, the Xbox 360 version is the definitive version to purchase. Small additions like the overbright (bloom/glare) system just helps make the visuals pop and not to mention the softer shadows and better overall fps. While the load times are masked, if you like to replay levels the added speed is welcome. So technically speaking the Xbox 360 wins, but seriously, it‘s a great game and it really doesn’t matter which system you purchase it for. For most the real decision comes down to what version your friends are getting. Oscar Mike!
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| G R A P H I C S | |||
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Although the differences are minor, the Xbox 360 version takes the win with overbright (glare/bloom) and softer dynamic shadows. We were also glad to see equal texture resolutions in both versions. |
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| P E R F O R M A N C E | |||
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While neither version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 performed perfectly, the Xbox 360 had the higher fps when the action hits. But best of all, both versions were free of the dreaded frame tearing. |
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| L O A D I N G | |||
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Though load times are masked in the game by narrations, people that replay missions will appreciate the faster load times on the Xbox 360. | |
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| O U T C O M E | |||
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The win was marginal with slightly better visuals, quicker loading times and a higher average fps on the Xbox 360. As stated before, you will not be disappointed with either version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. | |
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| C O M M E N T S | C H O I C E | ||
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Both versions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 are so close in terms of quality that I would be happy with either one. My decision is to purchase the Xbox 360 version because I have many CoD 4 and CoD: WaW friends on Xbox Live. Although, you really can’t go wrong with either version. | |
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| Corey | “…you really can’t go wrong with either version…” | ||
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Personally, I am buying this game for the PS3. In my opinion the differences on the Xbox 360 weren’t enough to detour me from buying the PS3 version. Besides, I don’t have a wireless adapter for my Xbox 360 and I hate dragging a 50 foot cable into my game room every time I want to play online with my Xbox 360. For me it’s well worth it to get the PS3 version especially knowing how much time I’m going to spend online with this game. |
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| Jaime | “…the differences on the Xbox 360 weren’t enough…” | ||
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Unlike most people I only played Modern Warfare 1’s campaign. I never quite got used to online play. Seeing how online play didn’t affect my decision here (I don’t buy games just cause my friends have the same game on the same console), I went with PS3 because I don’t think the Xbox has any major advantage. Frankly, anyone who buys this is the clear winner. |
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| John | “…anyone who buys this is the clear winner … ” | ||
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Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
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@matt above:
What is even more sad, is you read the article and then spent time commenting how said it is. Thus wasting everyone elses time as well. Congrats!
Me, I like the analysis!
Hot debate. What do you think?
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Yeah Matt, you obviously are more of a sad loser than anyone else, if not only you are looking at this forum, you also have to try and boost your self esteem by dissing everyone who’s reading it.
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Matt, you’re obviously under the misconception that these analysis are simply for fanboys to argue which system is better.
For people like me that own every console, these comparisons are critical. I use them to determine which version I want to buy. It’s called being an informed consumer. You might want to try it sometime.
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re: Matt says = Moron with too much time on his hands, he needs to take a step back and ignore the cliff behind him….
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this is so low , i dont even know what to say , if you rly want to see the look for the ps3 with rgb on full white on and all that go to http://www.cynamite.de/_misc/galleries/detail.cfm?pk=2633&opv=gal
im disapointed in lens of truth.
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For more information on our capture process, please see the F.A.Q. page.
And for a detailed overview of the color differences found in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 see our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Color Differences Feature.
Why is this website comparisons always make the ps3 version bright as hell and watched out? while other websites comparisons look almost identical.
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i have COD MW2 in my ps3, and all those images are false… or my ps3 is better than that one ¬¬ cause i see the game so better than that. so think about it, trying to kill ps3? take real gaming true with ps3.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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Why don’t you explain that the gloom is significantly better with the PS3 on a HDMI Full RGB and Super White.
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IDK what you were trying to get across but you should alert people that you were using the AV video cable to show your footage of the PS3. Although you did show a picture of the PS3 with HDMI RGB on, you should have “Alerted” everyone the that MW2 looks significantly better on the HDMI setting for the PS3.
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They were doing what they always do, compare games with out of the box settings. As typically, default settings are what the developer intended and should match between the consoles. You might want to take a look at the link at the top of the post, they cover the image color differences between the systems in-depth.
Also, they have said this thousands of times, all comparisons are HDMI for both systems.
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This game is awesome on any system you get it on. I got Modern Warfare 2 three days before it came out on the ps3. I bet there were a million copies in the hands of purchasers before it came out. Afterall there were over 60 thousand people online when I had it 3 days early.
Whenever I want to discuss Modern Warfare 2 I go to Cdeezgames and use the forums there.
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THE TRUTH COMPARASSION,,,
http://www.gameswire.net/comparisons/modern-warfare-2-playstation-3-vs-xbox-360-comparison_42.html
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ok, you saw it in “view split”, now put it on “view stacked” still the bloom in 360 version and the smoother shadows like here. XD
Regards.
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Nice comparison. I have both systems and I was deciding which one to get it for. Even though there’s not much difference on the screenshots I’m going with the xbox version since it had slightly better load times and frame rate.
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I checked out my friends copy on ps3 and it doesn’t look as good as my xbox copy honestly. If you do a hard drive install on either version the loading times are instant. Trust me. when you play off the hard drive there is virtually no loading at all.
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Can someone please tell me who makes the knife that the player uses in stealth mode? It is black and has a curved handle with a serrated blade. Please email me at dragonbound@cox.net if you know who makes this knife.
thanks.
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What are some proper etiquette rules that people should know about while playing online?
Here are a couple that I’ve already thought of:
1. Don’t turn your background music up so loud to where everybody else can hear it.
2. Don’t talk on your cell phone while your mic is on.
3. If you’re a little kid, don’t be a pest by talking trash
4. Don’t use the word “Noob”
5. Don’t use the clantag “Beer” or “Weed” Nobody thinks you’re cool, they’re overused and lame!
What else can be thrown out there?
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Correct me if I’m wrong, but i thought this comparison was between the gameplay differences, and not whether or not you have the 360 wireless adapter or not, as one of the members of staff say. I think that quite clearly the 360 version looks better, even if it is by an eyelash! Don’t flame me, it’s just my opinion, and if you look closely you’ll see for yourself.
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The comparison is the differences between visuals, loading and performance. The Technical Score determines the winner of the Head2Head and the Staff Choice is a section for us to voice what version we would purchase and why. The are completely independent of each other.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
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yur wakk, just keep hating
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The multiplayer, in my opinion, is top-notch this time around. I thought the single-player campaign was enjoyable, if a bit short. But the MP keeps me coming back…it feels like there’s better balance this time, and I don’t have to continually worry about moron teammates trying to Zerg rush through the maps, only to give the enemy tons of Martyrdom kills. The weapon customization has more depth, and advancing through doesn’t have to be such a chore like the last game sometimes seemed. Just my 2 cents.
cartucho r4i
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Does anyone know if you can play against your friends on-line (i.e. Call of Duty – Modern Warfare 2) if they have a xbox 360 and you have a ps3?
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C’ mon u could fix the glare and bloom for cod mw2 on the ps3 by adjusting the brightness. Just lower the brightness and now see the difference.
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Nope. Bloom and glare are completely missing from the PS3 version of MW2. Here Digital Foundry/Eurogamer confirm LoT’s findings:
“Moving onto some of the other differences that were probably more noticeable on the initial comparison video, it’s fairly obvious to see that the Xbox 360 version of Modern Warfare 2 includes a bloom effect that is completely absent on the PS3 build. It’s a very nice-looking post-processing trick, if somewhat over-used, and while attractive, it does tend to introduce white-crush – effectively bleaching out texture details that are retained in the effect-free PS3 version.”
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I have played both versions extensively. The PS3 version sounds like it will brick the system due to constant streaming from the disc. With the brightness equal on both systems, the PS3 seemed brighter with darker areas more visible. The bloom on the 360 version does attribute to better overall visuals but occasionally is a nuisance with the glare off of guns and helmets. In online, the PS3 seems to give more points in the way of match bonuses. Guns also seem to do slightly more damage on the PS3 version. If you like to play with mics, the 360 is the way to go. Lastly, controls… I personally find the PS3 controls the best, with the exception of knife kills and dog kills I find easier on the 360.
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Doesn’t the 360 version stream from disc as well?
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[...] Xbox 360 or PS3? Oh no, its a fanboy! TEH GOGGLES, THEY DO NOTHING!!! Lens of Truth Blog Archive Head2Head – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Analysis : Just telling … For an objective comparison check the link above. The xbox wins but the difference is so slight [...]
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it is clear ….. XBOX360 takes this round !!!!
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I have to admit that I love this site but something is very fishy about this head to head i have both systems and both games hooked up to the same TV and i have to admit my Ps3 version always has looked better even when I calibrate my TV setting to compensate for the things like brightness i have always made it look considerably better with my ps3
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