They should just review the best version of the game.

If GB does decide to review it, they'll review whatever preview copies EA gives them access to. Usually it's a 360 copy, but in a situation like this I think they'd be stupid not to give out preview copies of the PC version as well. And if they do, we'll probably get one of those quick looks that compares the two simultaneously.

Most game reviews I've read will note differences between versions of a game, and have separate scores if necessary. This isn't anything unusual.

Or reviewers could just write a paragraph or two about the differences. The single player is still the same, as are the weapons, the vehicles, the classes and so on, so even if someone does write separate reviews they will be almost identical.

They reviewd Kane and Lynch 2 on both ps3 and 360, it was ostensibly the same review, but on 360 had one star less due to a common glitch that occured.

They will probably mess around with all versions and if there are any obvious differences between PC and console versions mention it in the review.

For mine, considering the differences are controls, graphics and player count. I think they will only do one review.

@squirrelnacho: fair enough, whether or not that changes a review or not should be interesting.

Most game reviews I've read will note differences between versions of a game, and have separate scores if necessary. This isn't anything unusual.

@Icemael said:

Or reviewers could just write a paragraph or two about the differences. The single player is still the same, as are the weapons, the vehicles, the classes and so on, so even if someone does write separate reviews they will be almost identical.

@squirrelnacho said:

@SamFo: They are also making the console maps smaller.

The maps are smaller to counteract having less players...so those go hand in hand. It's not exactly fun to walk around in a map made for 64 when there's only 24. There'd be a lot of "Man where the fuck is everyone".

But it still doesn't justify a completely different review...one or 2 paragraphs in the review is really all it needs. List differences, say how these differences affect the game, and then give separate score. Also a solid majority of people only look at the score then move on and don't even read the text.

The overall reviews will be and should be for pc version and the buzz created with those will get copies sold for consoles aswell.

EA will not hide the console version for hardcore gamers and try to show it can compete with CoD on 360.

There should be seperate reviews definitely!
But how I know GB they are gonna review the worse X360 version...

I don't think the different versions will end up being as different as people seem to think.  The disparity between them will probably only warrant a side-bar or a paragraph or two.

@benjaebe said:

If GB does decide to review it, they'll review whatever preview copies EA gives them access to. Usually it's a 360 copy, but in a situation like this I think they'd be stupid not to give out preview copies of the PC version as well. And if they do, we'll probably get one of those quick looks that compares the two simultaneously.

A lot of times, they will have some hands on time with both versions, I'm willing to bet they will play it on a PC to review it, and then play some 360 as well to mention things like performance and general engine differences, and how it controls with a pair of sticks.

Generally speaking, I think separate reviews for PC and Console versions are needed for every game...
I've lost the count of the number of games I bought that got great reviews on the consoles, but were crappy on the PC.

They should at least note the differences between the console and PC versions.

If they are going to review the console version, which they probably will, they should at least use the PS3 version, as it is meant to be the superior version, hence why they showed it at Gamesom and not the 360 version. I imagine it will be the 360 version they review though.

@AlexW00d said:

If they are going to review the console version, which they probably will, they should at least use the PS3 version, as it is meant to be the superior version, hence why they showed it at Gamesom and not the 360 version. I imagine it will be the 360 version they review though.

Meant to be the superior version? I'm sure they mean for every version to be as good as it can be on its platform.

It will most likely just be a quick look in the same fashion as the Crysis 2 one. Half console version, half PC version.

@AlexW00d said:

If they are going to review the console version, which they probably will, they should at least use the PS3 version, as it is meant to be the superior version, hence why they showed it at Gamesom and not the 360 version. I imagine it will be the 360 version they review though.

Meant to be the superior version? I'm sure they mean for every version to be as good as it can be on its platform.

No. They usually mention the pros and cons of the different versions if any stands out. The rest is the same for every game, so why bother writing two reviews.

@squirrelnacho said:

@SamFo: They are also making the console maps smaller.

The maps are smaller to counteract having less players...so those go hand in hand. It's not exactly fun to walk around in a map made for 64 when there's only 24. There'd be a lot of "Man where the fuck is everyone".

But it still doesn't justify a completely different review...one or 2 paragraphs in the review is really all it needs. List differences, say how these differences affect the game, and then give separate score. Also a solid majority of people only look at the score then move on and don't even read the text.

Generally speaking, I think separate reviews for PC and Console versions are needed for every game... I've lost the count of the number of games I bought that got great reviews on the consoles, but were crappy on the PC.

They should definitely use the best version (PC) for their review. I don't see them writing two separate reviews though when all that would be different is performance and multiplayer. Then again, maybe they won't even review it. Sometimes we get a QL and that's all we receive from them to glean impressions from. However this is a big release. At the end of the day, only time will tell.