February 12th, 2012
Posted in 
“Two Swords, Two Generations …. One Destiny?”
| System Breakdown | Xbox 360 Stats | PlayStation 3 Stats |
| Resolutions: | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
| # of Discs: | single | single |
| HD Install: | Optional | Optional |
| Metacritic: |  |
|
Welcome back for another exciting Head2Head! This week we put Namco’s SoulCalibur V for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 under our lens. Our screenshot comparison last week showed very little difference between these two fighters, surly this will change in our full analysis, right? Jump on in and get comfortable as we tell you a tale of souls and swords!
Graphics: Both games look great, but there are a few minor differences that are worth mentioning. While most of the textures are identical, there are a few spots that will tend to show favor toward the 360 version. Most of these cases will go unnoticed, especially when the game is in action. If you are going to see any real disparities between the two, character entrances will probably be the time to spot them. Take for example the rollover of Astaroth at the bottom of the first page. Notice the texture difference between the 360 and PS3 found on his axe? Little differences like this throughout the rollovers, but in most cases they are far less noticeable. This led us to believe it may have been a pop in issue, but under further investigation that just didn’t turn out to be the case. When it comes to textures they will look similar, with only a few spots being more appealing on the 360 version (some more noticeable than others).
Another difference that is worth pointing out, and also favoring the 360, is the final result of the two different methods of Anti Aliasing used on both versions. In many spots you won’t be able to spot a difference, so neither version did a “bad job” in this aspect. However there are a few spots where the PS3 will still have noticeable jaggies while the 360 version doesn’t. Take for example the shot of the ship on the second page and look particularly at the railing at the bottom left corner. As you can see both the top banister and all of the support polls have small, but noticeable, jaggies present through the entire rail structure on the PS3 version. When you roll over to the 360 version however, the entire thing is smooth. This difference will probably be more noticeable than the textures, but it is still minor when everything is in action.
Everything else seems to match up pretty well. Color pallet, shadows, and even bloom seem to be identical between the two. In terms of raw visuals, the 360 will edge this category in the end however. The advantages may be minor, but they are evident none the less. Even so, the PS3 version looks very similar and those that go with that version won’t be disappointed in this area.
Performance: The performance aspect of SoulCalibur V turned out good for both sides. While cut scenes were capped at thirty frames per second, the actual gameplay side of it ran at a smooth sixty frames on both platforms. There were a few spots when one version would drop around eight frames below the other, but it worked out like that on both sides and therefore no real advantage could be determined. In addition neither version had torn frames throughout the entire analysis. With that in mind,regardless of the platform you play this one on, you can look forward to a smooth and consistent experience throughout the entire game. The performance averages can be found in the chart below.
| Xbox 360 Frame Analysis | PlayStation 3 Frame Analysis |
| Clip 1 info: Length of clip: 2467 frames Average FPS of clip: 58.04 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
Clip 1 info: Length of clip: 2467 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.73 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
| Clip 2 info: Length of clip: 1791 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.93 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
Clip 2 info: Length of clip: 1791 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.80 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
| Clip 3 info: Length of clip: 1756 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.66 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
Clip 3 info: Length of clip: 1756 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.49 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
| Clip 4 info: Length of clip: 3107 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.74 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
Clip 4 info: Length of clip: 3107 frames Average FPS of clip: 58.06 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
| Clip 5 info: Length of clip: 3522frames Average FPS of clip: 59.01 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
Clip 5 info: Length of clip: 3522 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.91 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
| Clip 6 info: Length of clip: 3187 frames Average FPS of clip: 56.36 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
Clip 6 info: Length of clip: 3187 frames Average FPS of clip: 55.40 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
| Clip 7 info: Length of clip: 2806 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.98 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
Clip 7 info: Length of clip: 2806 frames Average FPS of clip: 59.61 Percent of torn frames: 0.00 |
| Global percent of torn frames:0.00 Global average FPS: 58.85 |
Global percent of torn frames: 0.00 Global average FPS: 58.71 |
Loading: We now come to our final area of investigation, the load times. As you can see neither version made us wait very long. Furthermore neither version took more than a second longer than the other to load, therefore making this an easy tie for this category. Let it also be known that there is no install for this game on the PS3 version either and Blu-Ray was still able to match the speed of the DVD drive in this case. While installing the game to the 360 HDD MIGHT shave a few second off, with times this fast it hardly matters. The load times can be found below.
| PlayStation 3 Load Times | Xbox 360 Load Times |
| Sample 1: 11.00 Seconds | Sample 1: 11.8 Seconds |
| Sample 2: 7.9 Seconds | Sample 2: 7.8 Seconds |
| Sample 3: 8.2 Seconds | Sample 3: 8.0 Seconds |
| Sample 4: 8.0 Seconds | Sample 4: 8.2 Seconds |
| Sample 5: 9.2 Seconds | Sample 5: 9.4 Seconds |
| Sample Average: 8.86 Seconds | Sample Average: 9.04 Seconds |
Rollover to see the Difference.
Move the Slider to see the Difference.
Click to Enlarge Image.
Rollover to see the Difference.
Rollover to see the Difference.
Click to Enlarge Image.
Move the Slider to see the Difference.
Rollover to see the Difference.
Move the Slider to see the Difference.
Rollover to see the Difference.
Move the Slider to see the Difference.
Click to Enlarge Image.
Rollover to see the Difference.
More Roll Overs, Sliders, Conclusion, Video and Staff Choice on Page 2>>>
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Tags: *To ensure color accuracy from the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U output, the PlayStation 3 has RGB Full Range set to "Full" and Super White "On", and the Xbox 360 has Reference Level set to "Expanded" and HDMI Color Space set to "RGB". Our capture card we have captured segments from the AVS HD 709 . Blu-ray, HD DVD, & MP4 Calibration suite.
As you will see, each system matches each other at the SOURCE LEVEL. No contrast or gamma settings are manipulated before or after capturing our images/videos. We strongly believe that these types of corrections are done on a individuals preference and should not be adjusted by us. Finally, washed out looking images that are due to contrast or gamma differences will not have any influence on our final verdicts. Please Read through our F.A.Q page if you have any questions or concerns.*
A win for the Xbox 360, the controller is a big issue here though, so that could be a big point in favor for the ps3 version, however the new xbox controller is a great improvement for those problems with the old controller when it comes to figthing game. So if u can, buy the new controller , i did it and it actually works :-p
So the Xbox 360 is a win for slightly sharper visuals? I could go onto my TV right now and raise the sharpness and it would be the same shit.
This is a tie, despite what you wanna call it. Some prefer the softer/sharper look.
I’ll be playing Soul Calibur the way it is meant to be.. on the Playstation.
@LORD-NICON
No way, even the new controller for the XBox 360 is shit. They improved absolutely nothing, it’s exactly the same garbage, but this time you can pull the dpad out a bit: useless.
@Sacred Savior
I’ll also be playing Soul Calibur the way it was meant to be played.
Soul Calibur 2. Everything later is a pos.
Lmao @ LoT doing what they do best by trying to subliminally stir up controversy and make something out of nothing. Leave it up to them to tweak still images so as to create the illusion of a substantial difference all the while downplaying it in their choice of words. Flame baiting patronizing manipulation at its best, folks. Are you gamers so fickle minded that the way a game looks or is tweaked to look in a still photograph matters more than how it looks and performs in action??? This game is pure parity as both versions look ifuckindentical in motion and that’s all that should ever matter. It’s a video game ffs NOT a slideshow or still art gallery. No one should give a rat’s ass what it looks like in pictures. If the differences are so significant that they are highly noticeable during active gameplay such as Portal 2 or MW3 then you have cause for comparison and controversy. But when the differences are so virtually nonexistent that you need to play with still captures and nitpick just to imagine a difference…well that’s just pathetic. This is a tie through and through and should be treated as such. Only the most delusional of attention whoring trolls such as a buying1999 would argue otherwise.
Seems like the background on the 360 is blurred more,maybe so they could get the character detail better..
Also you can tell the 360 images are a little darker which tends to make texture’s look better but at a cost of detail in some areas.
@UnIversusAll Gamer “This game is pure parity as both versions look ifuckindentical in motion and that’s all that should ever matter. It’s a video game ffs NOT a slideshow or still art gallery.”
Wow, talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Your right, Soul Cal is NOT a slideshow or still art gallery, so why don’t you take some words of advice and READ the article instead of trying to stir up controversy yourself. LOT stated about 6 times throughout the article you wouldn’t notice the SLIGHT graphical difference while playing. And you accusing them of using “manipulated images” is the first sign of being a “delusional attention whoring troll” as you called them.
Redford…Chris…whatever the hell your name is. You’re missing my point entirely. If you’re just another impressionable lemming who takes whatever LoT spoonfeeds you so be it but that’s why I put emphasis in it being meant to be analyzed in motion NOT STILLS. To garner hits and flame bait fanboyism, LoT intentionally sets up their analysis so that users are compelled to put too much stake in the still comparisons of the images as opposed to the actual analysis itself. Why do you think over 60% of their analysis is dedicated to pictures as opposed to actual concrete indepth analysis like Digital Foundry’s SCV comparison? Are you really THAT gullible? That’s why I criticize them for putting more emphasis in comparisons of still pictures than actual visual quality when the game is being played. have you even seen this game in action on both consoles? what about me saying it being pure parity was wrong? it’s the truth.
For the graphic whores, the 360 takes this “head to head” slightly.
For everyone else, this is an easy tie and only comes down to controller preferences.
Who cares about these small graphical differences anymore? they arent like they were 3 years ago because devs r finally learning to use ps3s power. I say jus buy it on the platform where most of your friends r playing it on. Its a tie in my book because unless your face is touching the screen, you wont see anything different
Same experiance on both systems but slightly sharper graphics on the 360 = EPIC win for 360
I’d have to say same experience on both, errrrr not with the 360 dpad . 360 visuals = epic win, but controller is epic fail, and stops this being a contest. No fighting game played on 360 us worth playing unless you have fighting pads or arcade sticks
Android123 = Epic 360 fanboy
Epic? Yeah, okay. They literally said “A small victory for the 360.” I doubt you’re even going to play this game. I’ve played it at my friends house on his 360 and it is god awful. One of the worst fighting games i’ve played in a while. Certain weapon style will eat others and spamming is nearly inevitable on this POS game.
I had to give it a tie, The graphical differences would not even be noticeable during gameplay.
Glad I went with the 360 version here! I use the Street Fighter 4 dpad controller anyways so thats a non issue for me. Anyways, great fn game no matter what system you buy for.
I got both consoles so as much as I want to get it for PS3 I prefer the tiny slight edge XBOX 360 has in the texture department. But they look virtually identical so it’s not a massive win for XBOX 360 and PS3 gamers will enjoy it just as much.
Why is Ivy all covered up???? Why Namco? WHY!????
Both versions look the same. PS3 is teh way to go with its superior controller plus the online is meant to be really good as well so I guess that means PS3 is also the winner there seeing as PSN is far superior compared to xbox lag
You are a casual then,the xbox controller is way better,the dpad is still good if you are a hardcore player.
The 360 dpad is awful, so much do they released a.version just for games like this. I tried to play virtua.fighter 5 on my 360 $.found it was almost impossible to play, and sf4 was not much better, with special moves consistently failing, and worse still it was painful due to dpad. Generally 360 controller suits more people ergonomically, but thatdpad was the biggest mistake in design history.its awful
Yet ANOTHER win for the SUPERIOR Xbox 360. The SUPERIOR Xbox 360 still kicking the over priced internet ready blu ray player’s azz, business as usual. I keep waiting for da’ powwa’ uv’ da’ cell to show itself. I’ve been waiting now for about 5 years but da’ powwa’ uv’ da’ cell is a no show. The Xbox version is much sharper due to it’s SUPERIOR hardware and unified RAM architecture, as is usually the case in these comparisons. This is a great game and ultra smooth.Getting a game to run at 60fps at 720p on the over priced internet ready blu ray player is quite an achievement. Kudos to the developer and turned out better for the over priced internet ready blu ray player than I expected.
“The Xbox 360 is the BEST console EVER made.” –John Carmack
buying1999 <<<<<<< this guy is pure comedy!!! Everytime I read through the comments i look for his avatar! The amount of sheer ignorance and stupidity that one can find in his post is golden.
Just get an arcade stick. I still got my Soul Calibur IV arcade stick. Works like a charm!
PS3 version loads 18ms faster than the 360 version. Epic PS3 win!
Xbox sucks so much they even brought a huge depression to the legends Rare hahaha microsoft is a bunch of nazi idiots and look they think of controllers which are useless for fighting games hahaha
typicall american , calling everthing nazi
360 Win this h2h, but personally i prefer the Ps3 version. (superior D-pad)
But if you own a stick for 360, and you’re paying the gold fee, 360 is the right choice.
Xbot type quote forthcoming: “Who cares if it looks slightly better on 360, the PS3 controller is flat out superior for fighting games and, no matter what controller people are used to, that is a universal fact.”
Staff: “Slightly better visuals on 360.” -> Xbots: “Epic 360 win! PoS3 got destroyed!”
Reality aside, Soulcalibur was absolute crap, and they couldn’t have the common curteosy to put console exclusive characters this time around (probably because the Shitbox has none that would work). Don’t care what console this looks better on. Still not buying it. Soulcalibur II on GC FTW!!
wait what? you say that it’s all about the control rather than the graphics then you turn around and call the game crap because it doesn’t have PS3 exclusive characters (even though both versions got ezio from assassins creed) seriously you make no sense. (though I will agree that SCII on GC was awesome) seriously this makes no sense.
Ever heard of sacasm? Geez, some people on this site are really stupid… I never said anything about PS3 exclusive, I said console exclusive, meaning each version gets one character that the other doesn’t have, like SC4 getting Yoda on 360, and Darth Vader on PS3. Soul Calibur on the Gamecube was probably the greatest one in the series, because it featured Link from LoZ. Console exclusive characters are awesome, but because 360 pretty much has none that would work, they didn’t put any in.
you never said PS3 exlcusive but you implied that it was your main when you said it was probably because the “shitbox” didn’t have any that would work. and the PS3 wouldn’t really have anything either currently (kratos wouldn’t be possible since the deal with mortal kombat is so recent and he would have just been an ivy reskin for the most part) with the only character that would have been possible being sackboy (which while being hilarious and awesome would have required a lot of tweaking to the game since you’d have to crouch to actually hit him.) the most sensible solution was to use a 3rd party character from both systems (ezio) which could easily be fit into the game without severe balancing issues. besides that what’s the fun in having to choose which console to play on based on an exclusive character? it’s actually one of the things that has annoyed me over the years for SC is that based on what console you own you get locked out of playing with the others. (it also caused a lot of dissension at tournaments about which version to use and if they split the tournament into two console brackets which would they use for the finals. it was a pain and usually left everyone pissed off.
Bigburito, Kratos was already in a SC game, one for the psp, can’t remember the name and im too lazy to search for it, lol
Once again! lens of truth brings us another exciting H2H.
its a tie.
Its no surprising to see this site as a full of PS3 fanboys site.
the real choice, thank God here is for controller prefferences, Nice to see tie results as this.. as it should always be.
Both controllers (PS3 & 360) controllers are horrible for fighting games. For fighting games, get a arcade stick.
And the award for the most annoying fanboy, on any website…..EVER…..goes to…..
Bying1999!!!!!!
Actually, DialgaMarine, PS3FTW, J-P-M, and Android123 (even though he makes is humorous) should get the the most annoying fanboy, on any website…..EVER award too.
check out the grownups here lol”look guys apart from a verry verry little differentces the game is the same in everyway”i think its realy down to what pad you feel that your best at playing this with at the end of the day,but its great to see the games so verry close to eachother”realy a verry good job.
Sup Bf666. Currently stalking me? lol
Come join the fun, unless you already have been. LOL
Ps3 obviously has texture advantage. better loading times. better draw distance. better anti aliasing. better sound quality. better controller. better and faster controller response time!
And if you were wondering, the answer is yes, yes i did have sex with dialgamarine last night.
LMFAO!
That was too funny.
The AA comparison is moot. It largley depends on the edge that you are looking at. Some edges actually look less aliased on PS3 than 360 and vice versa.
I’m leaning towards a tie.
It’s a big tie. Who’s still playing fighting games anyway’
The PS3 does have the option to install to HDD . . . not a big deal, but it’s stated in the H2H you can’t. It’s possible, you can do it through the in-game menus.
Ok read the reviews for over a year, first post and I had to join just for this one comment: the over priced internet ready blu ray player or the over priced internet ready dvd player? Which one guys 320.00 plus for a 320gb dvd player or 300.00 for a 320gb blu-ray player? I have both but I know which one is cheaper. I have games on both systems I love. I just find the famous quote above so funny I had to chime in.
Welcome to Lens of Truth, the site for die hard fanboys from both sides of the fence to vent their spleen and wind up their opponents.
Also you have to take in consideration that ‘ALL’ PS3 Games have to have VSYNC on and be 720p to be released on the PS3, here we have forced VSYNC on PS3 for SC5 however on xbox 360 VSYNC is off, this is advantageous for the Xbox 360 as the xbox doesnt have to wait up to 16.6ms for the next frame(from 60fps) to show it on the screen, 16ms is quite alot of time u know.
And any real fighting game player would have a fightstick anyway.
Thats not true at all. Plenty of sub hd and vsnc off or soft vsync games on PS3
^WTF you on?
CoD are only 600p, best tell Sony to ban the biggest franchise then!
I have never seen a user vote so close. The controller is the decider, therefore it is PS3 for me.
sony sucks,ps3 = piece of shit 3…..you and your uncharted 3 and god of war,killzone,but who cares,they suck……boring,lol……
360 version looks sharper
In this battle, the 360 wins the Graphical details while the PS3 wins the smoothness. Overall Im with the Ps3 on this.
Head 2 Head Record Battles
360/ps3
Sniper Elite V2 – PS3 Wins 0-1
I Am Alive – Xbox360 Wins 1-1
Prototype 2 – Xbox360 wins 2-1
Dragons Dogma – Xbox360 wins 3-1
O Racoon City – Xbox360 wins 4-1
Ninja Gaiden – Ps3 Wins 4-2
Mass Effect 3 – Xbox360 Wins 5-2
Street Fighter X Tekken – 360wins 6-2
The Darkness 2 – Xbox360 Wins 7-2
MLB 2k12 – Xbox360 Wins 8-2
SSX – Xbox360 Wins 9-2
Binary Domain – Xbox360 Wins 10-2
Soul Caliber V – Ps3 Wins 10-3
PS3 WIN ON SOULCALIBUR V? Man… I have the PS3 and I see that SoulCalibur is better on 360. 360 got this victory. You need to record everything again. You’re a 360 fanboy. Let someone else do the records.
as i can see on the video ps3 have more constant frames than 360 , so ps3 win plu sontroller and load