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Big Versus: Spore


Since its inception, Big Versus has been centered around comparing two similar games and commenting on which would score the player more entertainment value. When Spore came up as the next title in our on-going series we all stopped to scratch our heads. With versions released on the PC, Nintendo DS and iPhone/iPod Touch how do you compare three distinctly different games, each with its own gameplay structure? This Big Versus isn't like others because the call is too easy to make but we thought we'd walk you through what you can expect from all versions and whether or not you should pay attention to the portable versions of the PC world's hottest new release.

Gallery: Spore

Big Versus: Bionic Commando Rearmed


When it was released in 1988 on the Nintendo Entertainment System, Bionic Commando continued the story of the arcade game released in the Spring of '87; which only shared the same name of the original outside of Japan. In the home version of Bionic Commando, players took on the role of Radd Spencer a soldier tasked with rescuing Super Joe - the protagonist from the Capcom title, Commando. What separated Radd from other heroes was his bionic arm that was used to navigate through the world by swinging in lieu of the ability to jump.

As years progressed Bionic Commando became a staple of quality in Capcom's back catalog alongside other classic franchises as Street Fighter and Mega Man. More than 20 years since its debut, Capcom has returned to the classic franchise with two titles, a big budget release on consoles and PC this fall and a complete overhaul of the NES classic as a downloadable title for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. While all versions share a similar experience overall, each release offers bonus content that Big Versus felt required an explanation. Swing into action because this is Big Versus: Bionic Commando Rearmed.

Big Versus: Civilization IV and Revolution


Shying away from our original concept of weighing the pros and cons of multiplatform releases, Big Versus has transformed into a opinionated comparison piece regarding our overall experiences with the multiple versions of a game. Which version will we keep playing in the end? Find out in Big Versus.

Since the early 1990s, Sid Meier's Civilization franchise has challenged strategy enthusiasts to shape an empire and make their mark in virtual history. While PC gamers enjoy the latest expansion for Civilization IV, Beyond the Sword, they may not realize Firaxis Games has been hard at work redefining the conventions that made the original series so popular in the console exclusive, Civilization Revolution.

Promising a more streamlined and accessible entry into the franchise with Revolution, the Big Download team decided to visit both virtual worlds in our latest installment of Big Versus.

Are PC gamers missing something with Revolution? Find out today, on Big Versus.

Big Versus: Alone in the Dark


While most of the 3D survival horror love thrown around the industry is shoved in Capcom's corner with Resident Evil, Alone in the Dark was the first series to take the genre into 3D when it released in 1992. For the majority of the series, which has spanned over five games, players control Edward Carnby -- a professor and paranormal researcher. Originally set in the 1920s, gamers were thrust into a strange world of haunted mansions and disturbed characters. Sixteen years after its original release, Edward Carnby awakens in modern-day New York and must recover his lost memories to unlock his dark and mysterious destiny.

Released on the PC, Xbox 360 and Wii, Alone in the Dark is likely the final full featured title from Atari (also known as Infogrames) who have announced to focus on smaller titles. After playing through the Xbox 360 and PC versions of the title we compare our experience in our newly formatted feature, Big Versus. Shying away from our original concept of which is better than the other, Big Versus has transformed to a comparison piece regarding our overall experiences.

Welcome to the new Big Versus.

Big Versus: GRID


In Big Versus we tackle multiplatform releases that land on PC and console and weigh the pros and cons of the PC version against its console sibling. In each installment we compare games based on included content (such as single and multiplayer features), visuals and everything in between. While our mascot may show an admiration for PC gaming, we're all about telling you the truth in Big Versus.

This week in Big Versus we're tackling Codemasters' latest entry in the Race Driver series, GRID, which hits retail for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 today. Shying away from its more realistic racers like other TOCA racing games and the recently released Dirt, Codemasters hopes to capture some of the underground scene with their latest arcade style racing title.

Which version of the beautifully crafted racer crosses the finish line first? Strap in, and shift those gears. This is Big Versus.

Big Versus: Mass Effect


In Big Versus we tackle multiplatform releases that land on PC and console and weigh the pros and cons of the PC version against its console sibling. In each installment we compare games based on included content (such as single and multiplayer features), visuals and everything in between. While our mascot may show an admiration for PC gaming, we're all about telling you the truth in Big Versus.

In our second installment of Big Versus we're tackling BioWare's epic roleplaying title Mass Effect, which hit retail on May 28--six months after its original release on the Xbox 360.

Which version of the critically acclaimed role-playing title comes out on top when we pit them head-to-head. This week we go galactic, so grab a spacesuit and jump in. This is Big Versus.

Gallery: Mass Effect

Big Versus: Penny Arcade Adventures - Episode One


In Big Versus we tackle multiplatform releases that land on PC and console and weigh the pros and cons of the PC version against its console sibling. In each installment we compare games based on included content (such as single and multiplayer features), visuals and everything in between. While our mascot may show an admiration for PC gaming, we're all about telling you the truth in Big Versus.

In our first installment of Big Versus we're tackling the recently released episodic title, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness - Episode One. In this feature we'll compare both the PC and Xbox Live Arcade releases and pinpoint any differences that could affect your purchase decision.

Grab your boot straps, equip your sharpest rake and get ready for attack. This is Big Versus.
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