From Crytek:

System Specs and Colors

Besides resolution differences and a couple of custom view distances variations across platforms, we achieved an exact platform image color output on all platforms in the final shipped version of Crysis 2.

Multiplatform games usually look “darker” on Xbox 360. This is due to the console hardware performing an additional TV gamma correction step, besides other details, when using gamma correction. Unfortunately this is not a standard; no other hardware does this, so we decided on matching X360 output to PC and PS3 platforms instead.

System Specs and Colors

Any color/contrast/brightness differences are most likely due to an improper HDMI setup for the user's display. To ensure a correct set-up, the user can follow these simple steps:

1. If the TV supports HDMI 1.3 or higher:

? 360: pick “Expanded” in console dashboard display setup, in reference levels
? Ps3: enable “RGB full range” in console display setup
? If incorrect settings are used, the brightness calibration icon might be always visible (too bright), resulting in a lack of contrast (insufficient darks) and visible (color) banding. This very likely also means the TV does NOT support HDMI 1.3 and higher, or is not properly detected by hardware.

2. If the TV does not support HDMI 1.3 or higher:

a. 360: pick “Standard” on console dashboard display setup, in reference levels
b. Ps3: disable “RGB Full range” in console display setup
c. If the user has the wrong setting, the brightness calibration icon will always not be visible, or almost invisible, resulting in crushed darks.
3. Another common mistake from users is not picking the correct resolution to match the display's native resolution, resulting in an additional image upsample from the TV. If the display monitor's native resolution is 1080p, the user should pick it as default on either XBox 360 or PS3.

Anisotropic filtering is enabled for all specs, while on PS3 it is dynamically adjusted and goes up to 16x anisotropic, and on Xbox 360 it is limited to 4x anisotropic in order to reduce the performance cost.

DigitalFoundry:

while Crysis 2 runs at 1152x720 resolution on the Microsoft platform, PS3 operates at a base resolution of 1024x720. The final framebuffer is then sent out to RSX, where a bilinear upscale gives us the usual 1280x720 output.
So, 360 has more 128 (1152 vs 1024) lines of resolution but has 12x less (4x vs 16x AF) Anisotropic filtering than PS3 version.

Both versions are sub-hd and PS3 version is upscaled by the framebuffer of RSX to 720p (1280x720). When playing, the differences are almost interceptive. Some people when playing may even think that the PS3 has a higher resolution due the 16x AF but in terms of results they are both the same. Buy the game for the console you want because they are both good.

http://crytek.com/sites/default/files/c2_ce3_key_rendering_features_final_2.pdf

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Anisotropic_filtering_en.png
http://sabia.tic.udc.es/gc/Contenidos%20adicionales/trabajos/Juegos/UnrealEngine3/UE3/Anisotropic_compare.png


Cheers

good post

bump

Wow! finally someone goes and posts something useful. In my opinion the PS3 version looks awesome but that's only because that is the only version I will ever play. Some people should just get off the forums and just play the game, and then come back when they have something meaningful to say. (just like the OP)

BUMP

I dont understand why they did what they did. I mean I know microsoft likes to dip its fingers everywhere and bolster the performance of games released for its system, but i cant see the sales figures rounding out any more that way than if done better on the PS3. Its not like the system cant handle it... PS3 can do everything xbox can do, but faster, easier, and with much more headroom for doing more. Just seems like a waste. so much can and has been accomplished on this system, but developers keep holding it back with paltry gains by scheming on a collusive basis with a single competing entity. I think games like MGS4 and God of War proved what the system is capable of if not held back by the almighty dollar of a bloated corporation...

After thinking about it a moment, one must ask, how can a game claim "best looking game on console" when its only 720p? lol just doesnt seem possible.. much less realistic, no?

I dont understand why they did what they did. I mean I know microsoft likes to dip its fingers everywhere and bolster the performance of games released for its system, but i cant see the sales figures rounding out any more that way than if done better on the PS3. Its not like the system cant handle it... PS3 can do everything xbox can do, but faster, easier, and with much more headroom for doing more. Just seems like a waste. so much can and has been accomplished on this system, but developers keep holding it back with paltry gains by scheming on a collusive basis with a single competing entity. I think games like MGS4 and God of War proved what the system is capable of if not held back by the almighty dollar of a bloated corporation...

See the case of PS3 is more powerful than 360 and vice-versa isn't exactly correct. The issues is the difference between the two systems.

Games that you mentioned, MGS4 and GoW look Fantastic on the PS3. That's because the developer hasn't had to deal with 3 different types of hardware. It's be like playing a tune on 3 different instruments. If you can focus on one, you can play to its strengths.

Crytek are a predominiatly PC centred developer. And the 360 hardware isn't all too different from a PC. But the PS3 and its Cell cpu? Very different from almost everything else out there. Unlike the CPU's in a PC or the PowerPC core of the 360, which can be found in various devices. The PS3's Cell CPU has been developed only for the PS3.

So out of the three, the PS3 is the odd one out and unfortunately looses out (By only the TINIEST smidge and could be argued it gains it back again and more in the post-procession effects).

If this was MGS4 going on all three systems. It would run best on PS3, and not so well on the others. Because MGS4 is finely tuned for the unique instrument that is the PS3. =)

After thinking about it a moment, one must ask, how can a game claim "best looking game on console" when its only 720p? lol just doesnt seem possible.. much less realistic, no?

Ahh, fair point! But I ask you good sir, which would you prefer to view?

A sinigle, gorgeous looking tree, in which you can approach and see all of its intricate of the detail. Running at 1080p?
OR
An entire forest in which you can explore at your leisure. Running upscaled to 720p?

Resolution does not mean Graphic Fidelity. And sometimes Graphic Fidelity can be out-done by Graphic Design. Popular gaming website http://www.Giantbomb.com gave their 2010 "Best Graphics of the Year" award to 'Kirby's Epic Yarn' a Wii game.