Valve is one developer that started out this generation on the pro-Microsoft bandwagon delivering great titles exclusives to the console such as Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2. In fact, they even developed The Orange Box on Microsoft’s console while allowing a third party to handle the porting to the PlayStation 3 (which has been criticized since day one). However, as of late, it feels as though Valve has jumped ship in terms of favoritism via console choice and as a result, is delivering a better gaming experience on the PlayStation 3 for a change.
Valve’s upcoming sequel, Portal 2, is not only highly anticipated, but the game looks fantastic and like it’s going to easily be a contender for awards in whichever game category it fits into. However, while Valve remains strong and behind its product as being even across all platforms, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of you may not be aware of this, but Portal 2 offers multiplayer gameplay where as the original did not. Unfortunately for Microsoft 360 owners, this multiplayer functionality is limited to the console alone whereas Sony PlayStation 3 owners are able to play cross-platform online with PC and Mac users as well.
“On PS3 you get the cross-platform play, you get the frequent updates,” Faliszek explained. “The frequent updates allow a lot of things. They allow the cross-platform play to happen. You get the Steam cloud. So if you’re playing a PS3 over your friend’s house, and play on his PS3 the save is recorded,” states Valve writer Chet Faliszek.
“You also get the Steam copy. It’s not a copy we just give away. It’s attached to your PSN and Steam account. But yeah, there are some cool things you can do there.”
Fortunately, this isn’t reason enough to take up arms or to start signing petitions. Outside of that small advantage, 360 owners are still getting a game that Valve is toting as its most “solid and stable” title to date.
“When you buy them they’re all the same,” Faliszek says. “They’re all exactly the same. Content-wise, you’re getting the same experience in them.
“It’s just once you start looking at co-op. The Mac, PC and PS3 can all play together, they will all get updates quicker. For some people that will make a big difference.
“But the actual experience coming out of the box is going to be great. It is the most stable and solid game we’ve ever released.”
Regardless of where it is you plan on playing Portal 2, you’re obviously in for a great experience that any user can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for multiplayer excellence or not, XBL offers a great community just like cross-platform play will for PlayStation 3 owners as well. For once, I think the gamers win out the most in this instance.
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