ASSASSIN'S CREED - EDGE: Xbox 360
Summary: If looks could kill, the PlayStation 3 version of Assassin's Creed would be dead. The Xbox 360 version emerges as the definitive version because of a superior presentation, even if just barely. The Xbox 360 isn't the ideal option for controls given better button mapping on the Sixaxis, but that doesn't prevent it from being solidly responsive. It's also worth mentioning that the PlayStation 3 version plays beautifully now thanks to a crucial patch; upon initial release, it had severe performance problems and lockups that were absent from the Xbox 360 version.
BURNOUT PARADISE - EDGE: PlayStation 3
Summary: With controls, graphics, and loading times nearly identical between the two consoles, Burnout Paradise flips a bitch with superior online integration on PlayStation 3. It's a shock, to be sure, given the dominance of Xbox Live over online gameplay; however, dedicated servers and generally smoother online performance means the PlayStation 3 takes pole position.
CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE - EDGE: PlayStation 3
Summary: Surprised? We were. You couldn't be blamed for believing that the Xbox 360 had the upper hand with this multiplayer-dominated game thanks to Xbox Live; however, superior execution on PlayStation 3 makes it the better version. Control preferences (or friends lists) may lead you to play on Xbox 360, but you simply cannot deny that Call of Duty 4's online functionality works better on PlayStation 3. Stable, dedicated servers are preferable to peer-to-peer networking any day of the week. Since it carries all of the same features as Xbox 360, that key element gives PlayStation 3 a big boost.
DEVIL MAY CRY 4 - EDGE: PlayStation 3
Summary: Were it not for the lengthy install required on PlayStation 3, it'd be an easy choice. Devil May Cry 4 controls better on PlayStation 3, but is less of a hassle on Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 controller just can't match the feel of a Sixaxis when hacking up demons. When it comes down to it, controls trump loading times--especially in a fast-paced action game like Devil May Cry 4. PlayStation 3 eeks out a victory, but only by the slimmest of margins.
CONCLUSION
Judging by what we've seen with these recent games, you may be better off picking up PlayStation 3 versions of high-profile multi-platform games for the time being. The notion that PlayStation 3 ports are inherently inferior to Xbox 360 simply doesn't hold water these days. Some games do perform worse on Sony's console--Blacksite: Area 51 has been plagued with performance issues, for instance, and The Orange Box suffers from groan-inducing load times and chugging framerates.
These issues are slowly being addressed, though, as many publishers are starting to churn out multi-platform releases with an eye for the PlayStation 3. LucasArts recently announced an initiative to make the PS3 their leading platform for development, joining a growing wave of developers seeking to improve multi-platform games heading to Sony's console. With any luck, this movement will result in better performance for all gamers, Xbox 360 and PS3 alike. For now though, just enjoy fragging terrorists, crashing cars, and slicing demons in half on your PlayStation 3.
OVERALL EDGE: PlayStation 3
