If you're at a conflict every time a game debuts on multiple platforms, this feature is for you. The Head-to-Head series of articles cuts through all the different takes the editors have on games, compares the facts, and presents you with one uniform opinion on all the versions.
About Our Head-to-Head Comparison
The following comparisons were drawn assuming the highest level of available equipment. To be completely fair, we examine all versions with the notion that everyone has HDTVs, surround sound setups, wireless controllers, etc.
- Example One: The PC version of a game features poor mouse and keyboard control, but supports controllers. We do not fault it for its substandard mouse and keyboard control.
Example Two: The PlayStation 2 version of a game supports four-player, but it requires the use of a multitap. The functionality is still there. We do not fault it for it.
Example Three: The GameCube and Xbox versions of a game support progressive scan, but the PS2 does not. The games all look graphically identical, barring the benefits of progressive scan. The result: an even tie between the GameCube and Xbox.
Metal Arms: Glitch in the System (GCN, PS2, Xbox)
What's this? A completely new franchise, packed with action, steel, and smoking gun barrels? Developed by Swingin' Ape Studios, Metal Arms: Glitch in the System is a third-person shooter that pits players in the weighty boots of Glitch, a unique little robot that just might help save the planet. It's home to lots of exploration, tons of shootouts, and a storyline that is a little more edgy than a first look impression might give.
Bottom line, we like it and we're sure you will to if you give it a chance. But, it's available for the three major home consoles: GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. As usual, there are some differences between them that may sway your decision to play one over the over.
All the versions have their own little quirks as well as benefits; if you're thinking of renting or buying, read this and avoid making a metal jackass out of yourself.
Features
Identical. Glitch in the System is the same game no matter where you play it. There's no online play to worry about or any extra levels on one system over another; none of them have this. There's only one small feature detail that affects gameplay: split-screen shootouts.
The PlayStation 2 version is limited to two-player, while GameCube and Xbox support four.
Winner Ranking:
1. GCN/Xbox (Tie)
2. PlayStation 2
Difference between 1 and 2: minor
Control
Metal Arms provides a reminder for regular Head-to-Head readers that assuming anything about a multiplatform release is a dangerous thing. Sure, there's the usual trend; for a game like Glitch in the System it'd be a logical gamble to assume controls are identical, a tie. This is not the case. Partly, we have to suspect there's inconsistency, because the PlayStation 2 version was ported by Mass Media and not the original team at Swingin' Ape.
It's not that the actual control schemes vary much at all. They all draw on the four face buttons and rear triggers pretty equally. You can only invert the sticks on the Y-Axis and adjust sensitivity, but none of them offer extra options such as setting up the controls for left-handers, or maybe those that would prefer to strafe with the right analog, for example.
Instead where they differ is physically how they control. GameCube and Xbox feel the same, but the PS2 seems to draw on a slightly different set of rules. Glitch, the main character tends to slide a little more -- friction is less -- and overall when you have to jump over chasms, or maneuver close to edges it causes problems. It's not going to ruin the experience, especially if you haven't played GameCube and Xbox, but it does feel different and makes things more difficult.
Winner Ranking:
1. GCN/Xbox (Tie)
2. PlayStation 2
Difference between 1 and 2: medium
Sound
A pretty simple breakdown waits us here -- both in terms of quality and surround performance. First, for quality, the Xbox and GameCube output pretty clean audio. Xbox is a hairline above it if you're really nit-picking, but they did a good job on both. PS2, however, is muddier and doesn't feature as much clarity with the audio fidelity.
As for surround separation, Xbox features in-game Dolby Digital and pushes effects around over all five major speakers. It's drastically implemented; meaning, when something is on the left rear it's pretty much all there. It's not mind-blowing audio, but it works for the title and it's nice to see some Dolby Digital implementation. GameCube has similar separation -- where it sharply separates -- over the front three speakers. It has Dolby Pro Logic II support, so you get some rear effects but not nearly as separated out as Xbox. Then PS2, on top of the muddier clarity, has less accurate sound separation despite having Dolby Pro Logic II.
Xbox is the best audio performer, GameCube right behind it (very close if you don't have a Dolby Digital setup for Xbox), and lastly PS2 isn't bad, but it's not up to par with the others.
Winner Ranking:
1. Xbox
2. GameCube
3. PlayStation 2
Difference between 1 and 2: minor
Difference between 2 and 3: medium
Graphics
Glitch has a few distinct looks as you view it across the three consoles. The port by Mass Media definitely sticks out as a bit of a sore thumb, but surprisingly the differences between the GameCube and Xbox versions are minimal.
For starters, the PlayStation 2 version lacks the complex lighting model that GameCube and Xbox have. While you do have a headlamp, the worlds are lit far more brightly and thus the look of Metal Arms on PS2 is quite different.
Texture-wise, however, you will find them pretty similar. GameCube and Xbox's textures are more lively thanks to the added lighting, but if you look closely Xbox has slightly more detailed texture maps. On the other hand, if you look just as closely at the GCN version you'll see it's a little more saturated with more color (in a good way).
Xbox also has the added benefit of smoother anti-aliasing and texture filtering. So Glitch looks just a bit softer on Xbox. Meanwhile PS2 suffers from a bit more jaggedness and flickering background textures, but it's decent.
Framerates hit 60 and hover below it on GameCube and Xbox. They are faster and more eye-pleasing in this regard compared to the PS2, which hangs around 30 FPS most of the time with its own dips. With the lacking lighting (as seen above), this makes the PS2 version look a bit stale by comparison.
Overall, Xbox has stronger lighting, stronger textures, and better filtering than the rest. GameCube is a very close second, but there is some polygon pop-in that causes some pop-in shadows as you explore these dark environments. There's a catch, though.
The Xbox version of Glitch in the System suffers from refresh tearing. We're not sure of the exact explanation of how it occurs, but the framerate refreshes aren't quite matching what's being pushed out to your television. The end result is a sharp, jagged line that tears across random spots of the TV -- and quite often. It sullies the better quality of the Xbox display, and should be a major point of concern if you think you'll be annoyed by such a thing. It's random and unpredictable, but there's no escaping it. We've captured it in the above shot so you get an idea of what happens -- two areas tear apart to create a dislocated piece of the frame.
All things considered, we have to give the graphics win to the GameCube version. The Xbox has better visual quality, but the tearing is a problem. If it weren't for that, the Xbox would be the best obvious choice. However, between the PS2 and Xbox, we would say put up with the tearing on Xbox and avoid the PS2's lower framerate, lack of lighting effects and worse texture quality.
No widescreen for any of the three; only Xbox and GameCube support progressive scan.
Winner Ranking:
1. GameCube
2. Xbox
3. PlayStation 2
Difference between 1 and 2: minor
Difference between 2 and 3: medium
Presentation
There are no extra unlockables. Full-motion video sequences are few, and comparably good on all three consoles, and save space is as little as four blocks on GameCube. For presentation all you have to consider are the load times.
Load Point | GameCube | PlayStation 2 | Xbox |
Boot-up | 9 sec. | 22 sec. | 8 sec. |
First Level | 19 sec. | 14 sec. | 13 sec. |
Second Level | 21 sec. | 13.5 sec. | 17 sec. |
We won't try to explain what's going on here. You can see the results for yourself. They're a bit odd, we know, but that's what you're going to experience. Overall, the GameCube actually has slightly lengthier load times -- even than the PS2. But we'll have to pat Mass Media on the back for getting the PS2 Metal Arms to load faster, even than the Xbox at times. But, all of them are within 5-7 seconds of each other. The initial PS2 boot-up is lengthened by an extra licensee screen, so while it does take longer, it's not technology that's holding it back.
Xbox seemed the most consistent and averaged with the least load time, so we'll rank it first. After it, PlayStation 2 definitely loaded in-game content faster than GameCube, so we can't deny it the runner-up position it deserves. But, seriously, GameCube might be ranked "last" here, but they're all very minor differences, and nearly a tie in the end.
Winner Ranking:
1. Xbox
2. PS2
3. GameCube
Difference between 1 and 2: minor
Difference between 2 and 3: minor
Final Verdict
It's really tough to say which version is truly the better buy or rent here. What we can say with utmost confidence is that the PlayStation 2's weaker visuals for Metal Arms, namely the lacking lighting, takes away the atmosphere that the original team at Swingin' Ape was trying to create. With it's slippery control mechanics, and only two-player multiplayer, it is not the recommend version.
Between GameCube and Xbox, it really comes down to the issue of the graphical tearing. If you think this will bother you, it's going to overpower your enjoyment of the slight advantages in texture quality, lighting, sound, or load times. GameCube is a good, safe choice; it controls well, sounds nice, and looks visually solid. So we must still give it the overall win, even if its load times are slightly more extended.
If the thought of the screen tearing (and you've probably experienced this in other games without taking not of it) on Xbox is a non-issue for you, then go with Xbox -- no question. It also has the better sound, which may be more important than visuals to you.
And there you have it. We often get write-ins about "this version" should have one over the other. If you have made your own decisions, then this comparison has served its purpose -- get out there and play the one you know is best for you. See you next time.
Overall Winner:GameCube
Winner Ranking:
1. GameCube
2. Xbox
3. PlayStation 2
- Best version for single player: GameCube/PlayStation/Xbox (tie)
- Best version for videophiles: GameCube (solid visuals, no tearing; minor advantage)
- Best version for audiophiles: Xbox (in-game Dolby Digital; minor advantage)
- Best value/price: GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox (tie)
What did you think of our Metal Arms: Glitch in the System Head-to-Head?