Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare PS4 vs. XBO MP & SP Image Comparison: PS4 Wins With Better IQ In MP

The PS4 version of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare seems to have a definite advantage over the Xbox One version. During our comparison we also noticed better IQ in the multiplayer of the PS4 version.

[GribbleGrunger]

I thought the XB1 had a firmware to sort the crushed black problem out?

[DarkLordMalik]

The problem is still there for games who are not native 1080p. Sunset Overdrive is another game with crushed black.

[MasterCornholio]

I'm confused about something. The Xbox One version of COD AW runs with a dynamic resolution. Does that mean there are crushed blacks when it runs under 1080P and normal blacks when it runs in 1080P?

It would be really annoying to see something like that happen in real time which is why I'm asking.

[Volkama]

I don't get how you would recognise crushed blacks on Sunset Overdrive. There are no other platforms to form any comparison, so how can you distinguish "crushed blacks" within the distinct and vibrant palette of the game? Not saying you're wrong, but my eyes would just see it as part of the visual style.

The Xbox One has quite a few output options (RGB, Full RGB, 16/24/32bit colour, YCbCr and such. They can be used in various combinations, and the defaults are conservative. It would be interesting to see a professional comparison between the settings to see where issues with gamma and crushed blacks manifest.

[Arkardo]

@Volkama

Crushed blacks are easily distinguished for most people nowdays, i have trained eyes for years of being a video enthusiast, projectors, several Tv's and settings, you get used to it and i can say almost every X1 title that do upscaling have notorious crushed blacks

[Volkama]

@Arkado sure, but Sunset Overdrive? You'd be hard pressed to even find anything black in that game...

But you sound like a man that knows your displays and has an Xbox One. Fancy running some comparisons between the various settings to see what ones do or don't crush blacks? In the absence of any proper articles I think quite a few people would be interested in observational evidence.

I'd do it myself, but I find it hard to know if my mind is tricking my eyes when I look without any direct comparison :)

@below but I don't think COD uses the upscaler. The dynamic resolution is probably a software solution. Could be wrong, maybe you can just throw any resolution you fancy and it'll take care of it.

[Arkardo]

@Volkama

Im not saying Sunset overdrive has crushed blacks personally, but it's a trend with every X1 title that uses the upscaling solution and COD AW it's still not immune to this, they have to sort it because it's turning kind of annoying.

[Christopher]

***I don't get how you would recognise crushed blacks on Sunset Overdrive. ***

You can tell it's specifically a crushed black issue by doing gamma testing.

[FITgamer]

@MasterCornholio During MP the Xbox One res is locked at 1360x1080. So there would be no change.

[BallsEye]

No, there is no issue. Just that most idiots don't know how to set up display settings, chosing full color range (PC MODE) on a TV. Just switch settings to TV LIMITED and everything will be fine. If you use full color range (PC mode) then you will have crushed blacks on normal TV's. You guys need to stop spreading false info and learn few things. There is a gamma test in display settings.

As for the article.
"PS4 wins with better image in MP"
I guess you don't care to mention that ps4 drops below 40 fps while xbox one keeps almost perfect 60.
Double standards?

[MRMagoo123]

@balleyes

Except the MP is 60fps locked on PS4 at full 1080p and the xbone is basically 900p. I think the MP is a lot more important than the SP in COD considering most people say they dont even play the SP campaign.

[jspsc123]

ITS THE GAMMA.
A NORMAL GAMMA IS 2.2
MOST DEVICES DO 2.2
XBOX ONE DOES NOT
YOU CAN NOT CALIBRATE IT OUT

[sigfredod]

nope it was the sharpener filter

[illAmpRefugee]

Theres hardly a difference to me i the ps4 does look brighter but i dont think i would be able to tell the difference unless i saw the game side by side

[Bigpappy]

No"crush black" is the new goal post. I am not even sure wtf that is. But ok.
When did the gearnuke website become an authority on evaluating game performance. I call but hurt over digital foundry's evaluation. Seems like they are now illegitimate like LOT for siding with Xbox LOL

[yewles1]

Seems like someone didn't read all of DF's early evaluation...

"Right now, the majority of our testing has concentrated on the campaign mode, where Sledgehammer Games really pushes the boat out visually. However, we briefly dipped into the multiplayer mode on both systems in order to gain some first impressions on resolution and frame-rate. We'll need to test this much more thoroughly across a range of maps, but initial results suggest that the dynamic resolution switch is disabled on Xbox One, leading to a static 1360x1080 presentation throughout. Meanwhile, PS4 locks to native 1080p. This is significant, bearing in mind that multiplayer is the key focus for many COD fans, but the good news is that overall gameplay frame-rates seem just as solid as our recent testing on the Gamescom and EGX builds - a state of affairs that extends to both systems."

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

[gangsta_red]

Bigpappy, you are right. "Crushed Black" is the new thing to say for every Xbox One game compared to PS4. That's how it works on this site. Before it was "jaggies" that was the hip term to use in every comparison video between the PS3 and 360.

Now that a lot of comparison videos between the X1 and PS4 are starting to look way too similar we have to pull out a new buzz word to downplay the resolution. First it was parity

Now everyone notices "crushed blacks" because they read it somewhere in an article. Now "crushed blacks" is a huge problem that the X1 must overcome.

It's really hilarious the new things some of these guys stick to when it's convenient for them. It's why they are all flocking to Gearnuke now, now we all have to strain our eyeballs to notice these "crushed blacks" the X1 supposedly have.

What's even funnier is I'm reading someone above saying Sunset Overdrive has "crushed blacks". LMAO, it's just way to funny on this site.

[fr0sty]

604,800 pixels per frame difference on PS4. That's 2/3 of a 720p frame worth of additional picture detail.

[TheXgamerLive]

Sony fanboys lieing about Xbox One and so called crush blacks. Haha it looks better first off. Ya know blacks are supposed to be actually black.

[KirbysDump]

crushed blacks, lol, just play the games

[HeMan76]

Its gearnuke no matter what always PS4 wins. No doupt XO is the by far winner on visual and performance department.

[eezo]

was about to say this only... even after Digital Foundry tech analysis... GearNuke say this....

[thekhurg]

Digital Foundry said the PS4 looks better. Plus the Xbone version has screen tearing.

[GribbleGrunger]

Digital Foundry said much the same. Screen tearing, crushed blacks and lower resolution. It's only because the media have been focused on the framerate of the 'campaign' that you think this comparison is different.

[Unarmed_Civilian]

Digital Foundry tech analysis is for single player mode only, and those dips on PS4 AND x1 is in scenes where it does not matter for the gameplay

On the other hand in multi PS4 is 1080p/60fps with better IQ and v-sync, x1 is locked to 1360/1080 60fps with crushed blacks and screeen tearing.

[Infamous298]

This comment man...hhh.. it oozes denial haha.

[TheStrokes]

I'm sure the native 1080p throughout the full game on PS4 says otherwise. It's no secret that multiplatform games perform better on PS4. visually and performance wise.

But to put it to rest, we can only really count on Digital Foundry to cement the facts.

Whatever console or PC you play on, I'm sure you will enjoy anyway.

[Magicite]

when u multiply by zero, you still get zero = XO!

[qwerty676]

not sure what hes talking about, i looked at all those images and the XBO colors seem to be more vibrant and pop out more

where ps4s are more dull.

is anyone else seeing this or am I alone here? doesnt the ps4 colors look more dull?

@Unarmed_Civilian

umm its evident in those pictures too, xbo seems darker but it makes the colors seem more vibrant.

[Unarmed_Civilian]

Open each pictures in separate tab and switch between them, just look at the crushed black on x1 ,oh my...

ps4

http://images.eurogamer.net...

x1

http://images.eurogamer.net...

yeah i dont think so.

[Elit3Nick]

these pictures prove his point, the PS4 version colors look a bit more dull

[TheStrokes]

XO overall looks duller compared to PS4. The black has less depth.

[Sonital]

Be careful not to find the contrast/brightness setting on your console/TV. It'll blow your mind.

[vishmarx]

anyone who says xo looks better in this is blind.its not even about opinion.
colours are exactly the same.
you say they look vibrant it because black is much much darker in comparison.
also eh that blurriness in the xo pic , how can anyone in this world say its better than the other one?

the orange ad. color is the same but look at the sharpness difference , look at the tower above his head, look at the movie poster jaggies in the flagpole, window of the green hut on right.that bus stop advert, do you think it was meant to be opaque and ps4's dull colors made it translucent without any additional tech?...
heck look at any fine detail.its night and day

i cannot honestly believe even the most blind xb1 fanboy will truely call the xo quality better as long as he's being honest

[Why o why]

The ps4 is sharper...just look at the fonts on the billboards. Minor minor differnces but if you look at those images and still say you cant see any difference then you need either your eyes checked or your fanboy tints toned down a notch

[KiwiViper85]

PS4 pic looks washed out

[Unarmed_Civilian]

Say what you want but the image quality is far better on ps4, crushed black kills the IQ on x1.

[Utalkin2me]

Sorry crushed blacks is awful and you loose alot of detail. Not only that the ps4 screenshot is much sharper.

@Elit3Nick

Ummm no it doesnt. The PS4 and PC version is more representative of the color the developers wanted. No reason to over saturate the image.

[GUTZnPAPERCUTZ]

I kinda like the more dark on the X1 version , especially on those Night shots!

[Arkardo]

@Quicktim3

This is why every uninformed people enters a Best Buy and get the Tv with the most idiotic ultra vivid preset settings, with contrast and colors all the way up.

The X1 upscaling solution utilizes too much sharpness, contrast and colors to appeal and make people see a little less aliasing present on every upscaled game, this results on crushed blacks on almost every upscaled game too.

[KiwiViper85]

I wonder if they have been through the xbox one display set up.. Cause it doesn't look like that on my TV

[skydragoonity]

No surprises here. It is as it should be and as it will be this gen

[Unarmed_Civilian]

For those who dont know PS4 is 1080p/60fps in multi,and x1 is locked 1360/1080 60fps ,dynamic resis only for singleplayer ,basically same pixel count of 900p.

[callahan09]

You're right. 900p is 2% more pixels than 1360x1080.

[Predaking77]

No surprises, multiplatform games are always better on PS4.

[kstap33]

As long as it doesn't need an internet connection. Keep your moderately better graphics... simply not worth it to lose all the other Xbox one features that make it a true next gen system. I'd buy a PC if graphics were top priority.

[gamer9]

Yes, always better on PS4 unless you enjoy playing online. CoD is going to destroy PoSN.

[MRMagoo123]

Well it seems to be working fine at the mo, considering its p2p servers and not dedicated.

[SpinalRemains138]

But its not. It is doing the destroying by a 2-1 margin.

[polow got sol]

Xbox version seems more coloful and vibrant.

[MRMagoo123]

Or too dark in shadows so much so that no detail can be seen at all and more jaggy along with the blurry blur it has because its not 1080p its basically 900p res.

[hello12]

https://www.youtube.com/wat... Great review of how bad the performance is on PS4, even multiplayer according to this reviewer 30 fps in some cases.

Reviewers are even saying the lightening is better on x box 1, i have to agree. Lighting or colouring looks off on the PS4 version.

Whats happening to the Call of Duty on PS4 just confirms the CPU's can struggle at 1080p 60 frames especially. ACU likely suffered the same fate and Ubisoft had the balls to drop the resolution done and just deal with the blowback.

Utakin@ Whatever you guys don't look you just assume everything is how should be the PS4 is more powerful. If you actually looked at the DF frame videos you see x box 1 has outperformed PS4 with frame rates on many occasions.

Shocked DF admitted this time the frame rate for call of duty on PS4 is worse I don't think the frame rate drops is that huge on PS4 anyway, its just the amount of times it occurs per frame, statically a lot more drops than x box 1

We have to see if it can patched, 1.6ghz CPU for Sony is probably been pushed hard with it been at 1080p. If they couldn't patch it want was point of having it at 1080p?

Do only a blind person would think the colours and lighting look better on PS4, its evident x box 1 is better here, and i don't why thats the case to be honest its curious. There was rumours Microsoft was planning on implementing directx11.3 features early.

[Utalkin2me]

Well i think the same thing about the Xbox1 version. The color and lighting is off.

[Allsystemgamer]

Do you even listen to yourself

[Makroyale]

All this guy does is rant the whole time. He doesn't even offer any evidence.

He actually said: I wish I had recorded that part where the game slows down to 30 fps. Then says, the same part of the map slows it down to 30 fps every time.

Why don't you just go to that section of the map and record it then genius!

[Alsybub]

I have to say that I'm starting to think that Sony may be pushing for 1080p at any cost, even frame rate. It would kind of make sense when their fanbase rattles on about resolution being king and PS4 being sold on the fact that it out performs X1 with multiplats hitting 1080p more consistently. It puts a lot of pressure on Sony to maintain that image.

Resolution is very important but not at the cost of performance.

Even Digital Foundry said they couldn't understand why Sledgehammer didn't go with the same option as the X1, with a variable resolution to avoid stutters, on PS4.

Here's what they had to say on the matter:-

"the less consistent 50-60fps performance level on Sony's platform is a surprising state of affairs, and bearing in mind that frame-rate is king in Call of Duty, we're surprised that the dynamic scaling tech wasn't deployed on both platforms."

[MRMagoo123]

The MP is locked 60fps and 1080p on PS4 you know the part of the game that people actually play that part.

[SpinalRemains138]

Again, SONY did the correct thing if they dictated what they prefer.

7 hours versus 10 months. I would think 10 months of locked 60fps is what their goal was. As it should be.

If not for multiplayer, who would even buy COD? Its a rental if all u get is 7 hrs. Give me a break.

[Alsybub]

@MRMagoo123 & @SpinalRemains138

I was talking about the single player and my concern that the idea that Sony could be pushing for 1080p at all costs could be an issue in general. The MP runs at 1080p just fine so I really can't understand why you thought that part was relevant.

I'm not putting the PS4 down, I have one sitting under my TV. So, don't get upset that I'm saying something that could potentially be negative. I was just voicing a concern based on reason. I'm not about to say 'oh, that's fine' just because I like my PS4 and I'm going to play another part more. It's the whole package and if they have a solution to maintain 60fps that they used on X1 why didn't they do the same on PS4? Unless there is an outside influence. I don't see why that isn't a reasonable question to ask.

I'm quite sure that if the X1 version matched the PS4 in everything but frame rate in single player it would suddenly be a very valid reason to put the X1 down on here.

I don't expect a reasonable retort from you guys though. Since, it seems, if part of a game doesn't perform as well as the X1 version then you discount it as unimportant and not the reason that anyone would ever buy the game. I'm assuming that you weren't the people that said Titanfall was an incomplete game because it didn't have a campaign since, as I'm sure you know as reasonable people, that would be massively hypocritical.

In politics, when a society doesn't question the actions of government it can often be the reason that said society finds itself under a dictatorship. In other words, if something seems suspect, we shouldn't just accept it because in the long run we may end up worse off.

[Makroyale]

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

Analysis from Digital Foundry proves that you are FULL OF IT!

[WilDRangeRfc]

All the proof you need is DF vid showing the X1 locked at 60fps in one scene the PS4 dips to 42fps while the X1 DOSENT budge from 60,and the excuse is oh it's running at 1080p on PS4!! Yeah true but if it was so much more powerful it would hold 60fps and 1080p no problem,well it can't and those are facts

[sandman224]

I bought aw for my ps4 and I mainly Play multiplayer. I have to say 1080p all day. And for the frame rate drops. I see none of it while playing multiplayer. That's what matters.

[Destiny1080]

xbox multiplayer runs at 1360x1080 which is why it looks so bad on the xbox and when you add in the crushed blacks problem which plagues xbox games it makes it practically unplayable compared to the crisp clear image of the ps4 version

[ManiacMansion]

Rofl... gearnuke... they should stop with their ridiculous screenshot comparisons.

Digital Foundry is the best source for a REAL comparison and as for the SP they confirmed that the xone version runs smoother compared to the ps4s framedrops.

We needd to wait for the MP comparison but from some youtube reviews the ps4 version also seems to suffer from framerate drops below 40fps.

[MRMagoo123]

well its now been confirmed the ps4 MP is locked 60fps and 1080p native, xbone 900p sooooo yeh........

[WilDRangeRfc]

Go watch DF comparison vid,X1 runs the game smoother and without and drops,PS4 struggles badly,keep 1080p PS4 will always struggle with FPS and you have Sony to thank,they are reeling you all in with 1080p 1080p while the FPS is shitty and way more important,for the gamers my arse

[cfc78]

Cod + XBOX = job done for me.

[Volkama]

If you're going X1 then Titanfall looks like a better choice imo.

[cfc78]

Im going XB1 because thats the system I enjoy playing Cod on the most and when it comes down to enjoyment or resolution enjoyment wins every time and as for Titanfall id rather play Ghosts lol.

[Volkama]

Fair enough, I'm not trolling your choice of console or your reasons. I just think Titanfall is a better game than COD while being very directly comparible.

If you want to play COD on your Xbox then more power to you.

[kstap33]

Titanfall is awesome. Also, the seasons pass is 75% off right now.

[MGRogue2017]

I played an hours worth of both the Xbox One & PlayStation 4 versions last night and I honestly could not see any differences between the two.. as in, Activision have done very well with platform parity with this new CoD title.

Multiplayer matches do tend to load up way quicker on the Xbox One version though.

[tlougotg]

This game isn't even all that graphically and some of the comments ive seen ppl say in other articles make it seem so. The IQ in games like Killzone SF, Infamous SS and others make this game look like crap. It does look washed out during mp. BO2 feels alot better movement wise also.

Maniac...

Your ful of it DF also mentioned the mp and said that PS4 is 1080p 60fps rock solid so plz try again they only said that during sp the drop was in one area so nooooo try again the definitive version is the ps4 one with no dynamic ugly rez!

[Bigpappy]

Nope. DF did not test MP yet. No need to put words in their mouth. I am sure they will have an analysis very soon

[PudgeyBurrito]

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

[ScorpiusX]

Don't matter what the so called wannabe experts say.
I will buy all games that are made for xbox one no matter their issues.
For those that don't support the Xbox one platform with their games due to BS can go kick rocks for all I care.

[Volkama]

"I will buy all games that are made for xbox one no matter their issues game wise. "

Barmy

[ScorpiusX]

Thank you Professor will work on it .lol

[q8kik]

How is buying COD = supporting xbox ?

[Christopher]

MS gets money from licensing fees for each game sold for their console.

[jackanderson1985]

definitely doesn't look that bad on my X1 version, definitely some crushed blacks but not to that extent

[yankolo]

This game its better than titanfall...???? Should I get it ???

[DougLord]

Nothing wrong with saying the PS4 looks better in your opinion. But to say its significant, or that it has any impact on your enjoyment of the game makes you a troll.

IMO the Sony screens look washed out. I don't see any meaningful detail missing from the Xone version. I would rather have the more vibrant colors.

What really matters is the FPS.

[Christopher]

I agree the PS4 can look more washed out, but that's easily corrected by gamma correction (note, what they record isn't necessarily what they see on their TV/monitor since it doesn't take into account monitor/tv configurations). But, you lost me on seeing meaningful detail missing. The detail is the same for both, with some sharper details on the PS4 (you can see it in the many signs in the game).

I'm not sure how much FPS matters to others. For me, it doesn't. I see out of one eye and it's very hard for me to notice the difference. I can tell issues with sharpness/AA, though.

Having said that, neither versions of this game are such that it would affect overall gameplay. At least for me. Dipping to 50 fps to me is fine. Less sharp details is fine. Both versions look fine. Not great, but fine.

[MattE]

Anyone on xb1, you can fix the crushed black issues by setting TV to full rgb range and xb1 to TV. Works for games but probably better off switching back to PC on xb1 for movies ;)

[Gr1mmyshadows]

I don't see any big difference between the 2 that'll make me not enjoy one over the other. These comparisons really are dumb

[kenwonobi]

Ps4 best version as usual.

[WilDRangeRfc]

PSN broken as usual ;)

[Ma1nframe]

Nothing new here. PS4 every time vs X Bone as its superior in every way.

[kstap33]

Superior in every way.... you might want to look up the definition of the word every. Graphics are 1 peice of the pie. Xbox One is better in every other way.

[GameCube123]

I honestly think the Xbox One version looks more visually pleasing to me at least. I always love vibrant colors in games, and sometimes go as far as changing my TV color settings to achieve

[neocores]

I laugh when i read people saying the ps4 version MP and SP goes below 30fps. Play the fuking game before you bash it with lies. Have yet to have any problems with FPS. :) so stop making you bs lies cuz your under powered xbone cant run 1080/60fps:)

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Well static shots are lovely and all but going by Digital Foundry:

"But while this is telling in static shots, the difference is harder to tally up in action. Sledgehammer's ground-up rebuild of the Call of Duty engine pushes heavily on post-process effects, such as full-screen (and per-object) motion blur, a depth of field filter and a sparing use of chromatic aberration during play. As a result, the stand-off between the Xbox One's minimum 1360x1080 and PS4's full 1920x1080 is less perceptible during hectic firefights, with fast camera sweeps often blurring these high contrast edges.""

...."With patch version 1.04 installed, the PS4 version's constant 1080p output comes at a price. We catch dips between the 50-60fps lines during battles through Seoul's streets - with drops to the high 40s caught when throwing the 'threat' grenades to scan the area for enemies. Even in perfectly matched scenes, the Xbox One's performance tends to hold at a perfect 60fps by comparison."

[peshkavusCA]

Looks exactly the same..

[mochachino]

the ps4 version is 1080p 60 fps in mp versus the xone version at 900pish at 60fps.

99% of play time in COD in devoted to MP, so it's something to consider for multi-console owners or people about to buy a new console primarily for COD.

Personally, I tell people on the fence that if your fav games are multiplats go with PS4, but if you love any one company's exclusives way more than the others, go with that company. The average gamer probably spends the majority of time playing there fav multiplats like COD/shooter, AC/GTA, and a FIFA/sports games (if sales are anything to go by)

[Nitropants]

I have it on the one, looked fine to me. Having said that it feels so slow compared to titanfall, even with the light foot perk on.

[Reaper29r]

After looking at DF's comparison I'm gonna go with the XB1 version. That and though I love full HD, locked 60 is more important to me. Anyway I prefer the more vibrant colors and darker shadows found usually on XB. Not to knock on the PS4 version, that looks great too and raw numbers better due to res. But PS games always look washed out to me. And yes, I have every setting on my Bravia tweaked, not preset. I was wondering before if it was my TV settings. Then I compared Thief and BF4 on both systems. Color wise, my XB1 still came out on top. The maps looked more vivid and darker where they need to be, specially the jungle. Thief, well it suited Thief perfectly. It felt gloomier, the torch fires looked more real and menacing. On my PS4 they looked great, but kinda faded when compared. And jagged edges don't bother me either, I have my sharpness filter set to MIN and on a 55 inch sitting 8 feet away it looks great. It gives the image a slightly softer look but I don't lose any detail. I've checked, with even little things like cracks on a wall. I think I played with that setting the most. That's just what I prefer. If anyone has a Bravia I'd be happy to give you my settings if you want to change it up and try it.

[Flames76]

This is a joke right?Its already been confirmed advance warfare runs smoother on the XOne.Also the XOne has more detail and better visuals.The ps4 cant even handle advance warfare with the framerate dipping lol.There was a reason the XOne version of advance warfare was the highest folks.Nice try though we all need a good laugh every now and then

[KirbysDump]

Apparently some people have trained their eyes over years of looking at computer game screens to recognise crushed blacks

[Saithraphim]

to looks great to me. When i read this i thought to my self, would i rather have a framerate between 40-60 or a dynamic resolution? Then i realized that both those things will never affect my experience in any way so it doesn't matter at all

[Yaay4me]

Why are xbox fans even arguing here? I mean is there any doubt that the xbox is a weaker system at this point? Just enjoy what you got.

[ScaryMonkey]

Everyone already knows PS4 is superior when it comes to graphics, this isn't even news anymore, can we move on now?