343 Industries: Halo 4 and the untapped power of Xbox

GI - This generation of consoles isn't dead yet, says Frank O'Connor. And his latest game will prove it.

[mewhy32]

Think there's still power in both consoles. The games are just getting better and better.

[r1sh12]

I pretty much agree with every comment on here (so far)..
I mean processing power will never be fully utilised, its how devs optimise textures etc for the graphic card to process more than anything else.
If they optimise it well they can get great looking games with the same hardware.
As someone said "Power is relative to optimization" if better programming techniques are used the more efficiently the hardware can be used within reason.

I really like the way 343 use community views to engineer games, and cant wait to play the campaign before possibly getting into multiplayer again.

[GearSkiN]

Yup gotta ply cheif 1st

[lastdual]

Yes, there's more power that can be squeezed out, but that said, no amount of optimization would make PS2 games look like PS3 games.

There does come a point at which you need to upgrade, both for better visuals and to allow for gameplay features such as enhanced physics.

[da_2pacalypse]

In my opinion, the power of a console is not important. It's all about how creative a developer can get. Take for example a game like journey, while the game looks amazing, it's more about the use of their resources rather than just dumping all their resources into technically good graphics.

Nevertheless, halo4 looks very good, so my hats off to the 343 guys, I can't wait to give this game a go!

[mcstorm]

I agree here I mean look at some of the things Nintendo did with the Wii. For me I go for game play over graphics but I do think both the PS3 and 360 games are looking better and better each year. KZ3, Gears of ware 3 showed that last year as well as Forza 4 imo.

[adorie]

Power is relative to Optimization.

Optimize code further and see better results on the same hardware, on the same engine. This is what I have learned during this gen, although it's been that before this gen.

[otherZinc]

@adorie
@MadMen

I agree.

However, it still depends on RAM unification. I believe the PS3 is more tapped due to this. It is evident in sandbox co-op being nonexistent on the PS3. Borderlands is cell-shaded, a dev can do anything with that on almost any hardware.

PS3 games are more using movies, cut-scenes, fmv's & saying look at this. No, I want to play more of the game than watching the game.

Halo 4 looks extremely impressive. At the same time keeping the sandbox play. Also, keeping the 4 player co-op play.

The PS3 would've shown me more if The Last Of Us had co-op play through the campaign. I cant stand running with an AI through a game that a human cant control.

[Redgehammer]

I agree, unless the AI happens to be Alyx Vance, then I don't mind.

[Cyfyxtfg]

Last month there was an article on here that said the last of us had just started designing co-op and multiplayer. And that's why I'm gettin my first ps3 this year

[MadMen]

I agree with adorie, its perspective because other devs are simply better than other devs at taping into power

343 as we can see now, is no slouch

[GearSkiN]

Still remember back when frank used to work for oxm..crazy now seems like he's the boss of 343 way to go man!

[DivineAssault]

Why doesnt the witcher 2 run or look as good as the PC? There may be life left in these systems to make some beautiful things but it can only handle so much going on at one time before screen tears & frame drops occur

[m23]

May not look as good as PC....but is still friggin' gorgeous.

[Convas]

Amen!

[YoungPlex]

You know this is nothing new, the original Xbox still had power that remained dormant till the very end, and the 360 and PS3 will be the same. It takes a lot of dedicated time and resources in taking full advantage of what these consoles can really do. Obviously Nintendo knew this and hung back a generation in order to squeeze every inch of power out of their hardware and it shows.

They make an interesting point about early adopters and people that barely stepped in the game. Those who bought a 360/PS3 are ready for the next best thing and those who are just joining us, are going to be content for quite some time. I'm ready for something new but am not ready to drop $600+ for next-gen quite yet and my PC is pretty capable at the moment, so there really isn't too much of a rush for me but I know that there are people who are ready to make that investment. I do however feel comfortable enough in upgrading my Wii to a Wii U because, the price is right, and will do so if next-gen prices for PS4 and Xbox, are also right. By then it probably won't matter due to the fact that I'll be making more money lord willing.

All in all it's all going to depend on what a persons situation is at that time. Til then rejoice and enjoy gaming for what it is!

[3-4-5]

When you get a few years to mess around with stuff of course it's going to look better.

We could probably have games looking much better on a 360 by 2015...but that might be the last hurrah.

Next gen is needed just for the update in hardware.

Xbox 360 is using 2002-2003 technology...

That's right. these games we play look awesome on hardware from a decade ago.

But Dev's are smart and know / understand how to harness it's true power from working with it for years.

[fullymoated]

Somebody help me out here, how can you look at BF3 PC vs 360 and say that there is still lots of power left in the 360? I know BF3 has large maps and is a powerhouse of an example.. but pretty much every game I play on 360 I can go look at PC footage and my jaw drops at how amazing PC graphics are. Please explain =)

[TekoIie]

360 gameplay. BF3 was a big jump but a year later devs have gotten a game looking just as good on consoles.

Also being a PC elitist is bad for you health....

[fullymoated]

Pekolie - Thanks for responding rather than just disagreeing =)

I’m not trying to be sarcastic in my first post. I play 360 only. I just don’t get people saying that 360 versions of games look anywhere close to PC. You are saying there’s a 360 game out right now that compares to BF3 PC?

[NoFanboyRequired]

Well, for one, that game was built FOR the PC. If it was an exclusive, the game would look a hell of a lot better than it currently does on consoles.

Also, i think H4 looks better than BF3. My opinion though as it has a much better art direction and color palette. BF3 is just way too much grey. Its a great game though. Just cant stand the colors and unrealisticly blinding lights.

[TekoIie]

I think it all comes down to the devs and advancement. Of course a game made now has a higher chance of looking better than one 4-5 years ago right?

[fullymoated]

Yup, I just watched that 360 footage of medal of honor warfighter. The BF3 PC trailers from a couple years ago still blow it out of the water. My fault for trying to get a half-decent answer on N4G.

[Balcrist]

I'd tap that...